Stephanie Ike - Clear the Fog (01/19/2026)
Stephanie’s message «Clear the Fog» addresses seasons of confusion or denial in life where we ignore truths God wants us to confront. Using personal stories, Jeremiah 35 (Rechabites' obedience), and David vs. Goliath, she emphasizes that true clarity comes from obedience, confronting personal giants, and aligning our will with God’s purpose. Fog represents comfort in the natural order over divine purpose, ignored responsibilities (e.g., finances), or fear of stepping into calling (e.g., music/singing). Breakthrough requires facing obstacles head-on, as they activate God’s anointing and promises.
Introduction: Understanding the Fog
Praise God, you know, the Lord—today’s message is titled «Clear the Fog.» The fog, right? You know, it’s fall. It’s going to be a little foggy sometimes in the day.
Now, the crazy thing about fog is, depending on how dense it is—you can sometimes see through it, but other times you have to stop or stay home.
In our lives, a foggy season is when there’s confusion, but not the kind needing divine wisdom—it’s things we’re ignoring because we don’t want to face what they mean. PT recently shared about vision cutting through confusion, but this is about realities we avoid entertaining.
Personal Story: Heart Matter, Not Just Help
God and I have meeting times early in the morning. For a long time, He’d wake me miraculously—knocks on high-floor windows, flies disappearing after waking me.
Then He stopped. I prayed crying out for help to wake up, but He didn’t respond that way. One morning, He said: this is a heart problem.
It wasn’t about discipline—it was my will. If something exciting was scheduled, I’d wake easily. God had promised: rise early, and I’ll show you what your day holds—like Jesus praying and knowing exactly what to do.
But I was comfortable with life’s natural order—wake, eat, work, hang out—without pressing into purpose. I didn’t want to admit my life wasn’t fully surrendered. Until I desired purpose badly, waking up wasn’t the issue—it was me.
Living in Fog: Functioning in Darkness
We run from realities because we’re familiar in darkness—we function, but dimly. God is revealing today what we’ve delayed dealing with—what needs to be left at the altar.
Jeremiah 35: Obedience of the Rechabites
God tells Jeremiah to bring Rechabites into the temple and command them to drink wine.
They refuse: Jonadab our father commanded no wine forever, no houses, no sowing seed, no vineyards—dwell in tents to live long as sojourners.
They obeyed every detail—wives, sons, daughters included.
God uses this as example: Rechabites obey earthly father perfectly—why won’t Israel obey Me? He blesses them eternally with men serving Him.
Their obedience stemmed from seeing favor in their father’s life. God’s track record never fails us, yet we struggle with obedience.
Obedience ties to confronting avoided things—it’s not partial surrender.
Obedience in Everyday Life: Finances as Testimony
Obedience isn’t just spiritual—it’s every area. Credit score reflects character to earthly institutions.
Many promises of homes/ownership are hindered by ignored debt, careless spending. Swiping isn’t free.
God wants disciplined finances as testimony—not just in church, but lifestyle glorifying Him.
As the church moves to owning buildings, God is releasing ownership to those ready—clearing fog in finances.
Running from Instructions
God empowers the will to obey, but we must accept it. We’re comfortable in lies—natural order over purpose.
Confronting truth scares us—if lights come on, foundation might be nothing.
Dream: Confronting the Giant
Dream: unarmed giant terrifies town, enslaves army mentally. Japanese army fights ineffectively from distance with bows/arrows.
I run, then stab giant up close—he bleeds out.
You cannot fight obstacles from distance—must confront head-on. Some giants have your name—God empowered you specifically.
David and Goliath: Activation Through Obstacle
1 Samuel 17: Goliath challenges Israel 40 days—Saul and army afraid.
Goliath confident—one-on-one decides slavery.
Saul (people’s choice, tall physically) afraid—no empowerment. David (God’s heart choice) anointed but not yet king.
40 days breaks natural order for divine to manifest. Goliath’s threat activates David’s anointing.
Your avoided obstacle is activation of God’s word over your life. Today—divine order manifests.
Transformation Tonight
Vision: angels over house—people leave transformed, outfits/hair changed.
Night of transformation—but requires obedience. God’s instructions will be tested—choose Him over desirable conflicts.
Specific Words: Music and Voice
Someone with powerful voice—God calling to music/songwriting. Fear: not believing in voice, fear of tainting, comparison, songs not explicitly «Jesus.»
Doors open without labels—anointing breaks yoke, not just skill.
Singer called to altar—sings «Smile» by Tasha Cobbs—breaks fear. First time singing publicly—breakthrough in obedience.
New sounds coming—don’t fear judgment.
No Fear: Your Assignment Matters
Gifts without repentance—unique to you. If unused, lives at stake.
God formed you intentionally—before womb, He knew you. Needed in this world.
No one else is you—stepping out grows confidence in God with you.
Closing: Praise as Contract
Heaven contracted your praises as offering—two-way: praise up, God steps into situations.
Transformation, healings happening—even family members unknowingly.
Change language—praise, not woe. Leave fog/fear/giants at altar.
Prayer
Thank You Lord for word, touching hearts, breaking chains/fear. Courage for opportunities. Systems without labels—anointing breaks yoke. No comparison. Everything not of You left at altar. Have Your way. Amen.