Homosexuality and the Spirit of Might
This coming June marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots - the catalytic event that launched the American gay rights movement. When I was a young and ignorant man in the homosexual lifestyle, I learned about the oppressive events that “victimized” the homosexual community. Years ago, when I was informed of these riots that took place in 1969, I joined in the indignant emotions that continue to plague the community I was once a part of. These emotions give the victim mentality a greenhouse to thrive in. In that moment, I bit the bait.
After some time, however, I began to question what exactly we were proud of. At the gay pride events I attended, I saw things that even made me blush and look away - which was quite a feat considering the dangerous and carefree lifestyle I was living. We claimed to be like everyone else, yet we took the time every June to celebrate our obvious differences. This was a complete contradiction that confused my heart.
The problem in 1969 was the way in which intolerance for homosexuality was addressed. America in the late 60’s saw homosexuality as something abnormal, assuming it was a mental problem. It was dealt with by imprisonment in a mental ward or jail, and by striking fear in the hearts of homosexual men and women dealing with this struggle of attraction. After going through the intense battle of coming out of the closet, and then coming out of homosexuality, I can sympathize with the poor souls in those decades. Our nation was offering imprisonment without the option of true deliverance and transformation. The result: confusion, offense, anger, resentment, and a victim mentality spread throughout the entire homosexual community. So what is the solution? We need to cry out for a spirit of might to come on this generation! Let me explain…
The two warriors - Jehu and David
This hour is in need of those like Jehu. Effective ministry to men and women coming out of homosexuality is going to stem from solid leaders secure in their gender and pure sexuality. The joy and peace they have from their identity and enjoyment of holiness and purity will stir wounded hearts to desire the same. I believe many, if not most, of these will be heterosexual men and women.
When Jezebel was killed, it was not Jehu who overcame her, but the men under her control who cast her down. Jehu rode in the confidence that he was anointed by God; as a strong masculine leader, he called out to the eunuchs under her authority. When he arrived, she tried to seduce him as well, but he did not even acknowledge her. His call to the men under her order was “Who is with me? Who?” (2 Kings 9:32) They saw God was with him, and upon showing their faces to him, he commanded them, ”Cast her down!” (v.33). Though they were emasculated by her, there was still some fight left in them! However, it was only after they showed their faces to Jehu that he asked them to cast her down.
This is a prophetic picture of what is needed with the homosexual community today. We need spiritually strong men, anointed by God, confident in their identity to provoke and to lead. The men who are bound by homosexuality will want a leader to follow out of their bondage. When they show their faces, they are in the willing, open heart - past hiding and past external shame. The Holy Spirit will then instruct them and empower them to forsake their old master.
When I was first saved, I was living with the mindset that I was going to be gay and saved. Only after the Lord romanced me was I ready to cast that old way down. It was necessary that I first saw my need for a Savior. Then I saw He was someone I wanted to follow. Then upon His invitation, I was able to cast homosexuality down. It was scary, but this order made it possible.
I think the Church has it backwards. We tell those with a same-sex attraction that their lifestyle is wrong and then try to convince them to accept the Savior. No. The order is to show them the Savior, He reveals Himself as someone trustworthy and awesome to follow, then He asks them to leave that mindset and lifestyle.
It is amazing to think that in July of 2004 I was in a room at a college ministry praying when the Spirit impressed upon me this invitation. He is such a gentleman; He never forces Himself on anyone. So I prayed, in my weak words an agreement with His desire for me to be with a woman, thus by faith casting down my old ways. The very room where I prayed that prayer is where I sit right now as I write this: the prayer room in Atlanta, GA. Before IHOP-Atlanta bought this building it was owned by a local church. Every Thursday night the college ministry would meet in the same room where the prayer room now exists in continual worship. It was in this very room I surrendered my homosexuality to the God who gives beauty for ashes! It is only fitting that my true deliverance would come from sitting before Him in this privileged place.
I am now married to an amazing woman of God, who fights alongside me. I had to endure much, and still wage war with this. The fight that men and women in homosexuality must go through to come to deliverance is like Goliath taunting the Israelites, challenging them (1 Samuel 17). The spirit of homosexuality continually torments men and women, saying “aren’t you tired of fighting yet? Who will fight me?” And, as it says in Scripture, “When [they] heard these words, they lost their courage and were terrified.” (v.11) But it is in these days that God will raise up Davids, who come for the sake of the men in battle (v.26), and for the name of the Lord to be exalted (v.45, 46). The Davids will be the ones who come out of the lifestyle and confront this spirit head on, knowing the glory of the name of Jesus Christ and that His arm is not too short to save (v.47).
As we approach this coming June, please consider fasting and praying for the homosexual community to be touched by men and women who move in might like Jehu and David.