The Breastplate Test

On June 11. 2022 I had a vision while in my bed. At the time of the vision, I was awake, relaxed and resting. In the vision I was resting on a flat surface and then I saw what appeared to be a piece of slab coming towards me. The slab was being carried by two creatures that looked like giant hawks. I was not feeling afraid but I did not know what was about to transpire. I was also aware that there was another presence in the room, in front of where I was but towards the left. Somehow, I knew it was God and He was directing all that was occurring.

The slab was then gently placed across my chest by the two creatures. As the slab settled on my chest, I could sense that my breathing started to lessen. My air capacity was reducing, and I was careful not to move and not to lift the slab. I was still and very aware. Then I heard His voice say, ‘you will not die.’

My breathing got to the stage where it was significantly reduced, and I felt I was nearing the zone of death. In the natural I saw death, but at the same time I knew I would not die because He said so. Though I felt that way, I did not die.

Then suddenly I felt the slab lift. I am not sure how It was removed but I could feel it no more. My breathing was then restored to full capacity.

I felt the weight on my chest a second time. But this time the experience was different because I knew what it was about.

Interpretation:

The vision was a warning that a new and different season of testing was about to commence, The Breastplate Test. Where God is weighing the contents and desires of our hearts and our source of breath and reliance.

I believe every believer must go through these tests as necessary parts of our preparation, equipping and spiritual strength training.

The breastplate covers both the heart and the lungs, and it also covers areas of flesh on the body. My heart, dependency on God and nature was to undergo rigorous breaking, making, and testing, and it did. I had to learn a new way of breathing, feeding, and relying on God. My old, natural way of living and surviving was broken and torn down, and a new way of life in the Spirit emerged for me. That process started for me shortly after I got this vision, and it has been quite the ordeal. I am however so much better, stronger and further in spiritual maturity, all because of it.

In Ephesians 6 the Armor of God includes a breastplate which is described as the Breastplate of Righteousness. Righteousness is right standing with God, and it includes being holy, godly, and right in orientation, intent, thought, speech, judgement, decisions, actions and influence.

Because holiness is a distinct characteristic of God, it is not surprising that it must be our characteristic and nature too, as His image bearers. Holiness is also our chief protection against Satan and his schemes, so we have to be perfected and personified in it.

^“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1: 2-4 NKJV

Our slabs will look different, but their objectives are the same.

to make us Christlike in heart, nature and habit.
to make us Holy as He is Holy.
to perfect our faith and trust in God.
to keep our hearts pure and our lungs constantly refreshed by the breath of life Himself.

And what was a weight for strengthening, turns into the weight of His Glory, which we carry as a reward for enduring God’s preparation and perfecting process.

Know that your seasons of stretching, stripping, straining and sanitizing, are ordered by God. He is coming back for a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or blemish. Trust His process, do not resist, and do not fall into the trap of leaning on your own understanding or feelings.

“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NKJV