What's God Doing Right Now?
- Steve Backlund
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
What's God Doing Right Now?
By Steve Backlund
One of my favorite biblical descriptions of wise people is found in 1 Chronicles 12:32: "The sons of Issachar... had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do."
I love that verse because it reveals something God is empowering us to do today. He is raising up believers who don't merely understand biblical truth, but they also understand the season they are living in. They recognize His activity, discern His timing, and increasingly know how to respond.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus continually encountered people who knew the Scriptures but failed to recognize what God was doing in their midst. The Pharisees defended truth, valued obedience, and devoted themselves to preserving God's law. Yet many completely missed the Messiah standing before them.
Their problem wasn't that they lacked biblical principles. Their problem was that they didn't recognize God's present activity.
God is inviting us beyond simply asking, "What does the Bible say?" He is also teaching us to ask, "Lord, what are You saying right now?" God never changes His truth, but He often changes His emphasis for a particular season. Wisdom recognizes both.
Those questions are not in competition with one another. They belong together.
What are You doing in my family?
What are You emphasizing in my local church?
What season are we entering?
What opportunity are You placing in front of me?
What grace are You releasing right now?
Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they "did not know the time of your visitation" (Luke 19:44). God was moving in an extraordinary way, but they were so committed to their expectations that they couldn't recognize the incredible season they were in.
This remains a challenge for every generation. God is always consistent with His character, but He is wonderfully creative in how He unfolds His purposes. He is continually revealing fresh applications of eternal truth to meet the needs and prophetic purpose of a particular time and/or location. Those who “understand the times” find themselves participating in breakthroughs that others only recognize after they have happened. Let me say that again: Those who “understand the times” find themselves participating in breakthroughs that others only recognize after they have happened.
Some biblical examples are:
The early church leaders discerned that the Holy Spirit was opening the gospel to the Gentiles, even though it challenged generations of assumptions (Acts 10, 15)
The Wise Men understood the time of Messiah coming (Matthew 2)
Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, understood they were experiencing the fulfillment of Joel chapter 2 (Acts 2)
How can we increase our own “Issachar anointing”? Here are some keys:
Regularly ask, "Lord, what are You emphasizing right now?" - That simple question changes the way we approach our families, churches, businesses, and relationships. Instead of merely asking God to bless our plans, we begin discovering His.
Identity and celebrate what God is blessing - Rather than becoming experts on what isn't working, we intentionally notice where grace, favor, life, and fruit are increasing.
Listen to themes being highlighted in the Church - revelation often comes through the Body of Christ.
Remain flexible - many people miss new seasons because they are trying too hard to preserve the previous one.
Move when God gives light - as we faithfully respond to what God is revealing today, He entrusts us with greater clarity for tomorrow.
I believe that right now God is raising up sons and daughters of Issachar. He is giving His people increased understanding of the times and revealing what to do. He is awakening spiritual discernment so that we not only stand firmly on timeless truth but also joyfully participate in His timely purposes.
Declarations:
I am deeply rooted in God's timeless truth and increasingly sensitive to His present emphasis.
I recognize divine opportunities and joyfully partner with God's unfolding purposes.
I am not trapped in yesterday's victories or yesterday's methods, but I joyfully embrace what God is emphasizing today.
The Holy Spirit is opening my eyes to opportunities that others overlook and giving me courage to seize them.
I am a modern-day son (daughter) of Issachar—understanding the times and knowing what to do.
