Good morning, beloved! What an honor it is to stand here today in Winterset, Iowa—a place that, like many of you, holds a beautiful story. A charming city known for its historic landmarks, friendly communities, and incredible ties to Hollywood, but most significantly, a city that has witnessed God’s faithfulness and provision for generations. Winterset has been blessed to be on the map, not only because of its role in the movie world, but also because of the legacy it holds from the life of John Wayne, the great American icon, whose birthplace is here. Yet, today, I want to talk about another legacy—one far more important than any film or history book could capture. It’s the legacy of God’s power, His promises, and how we are stepping into a season of bold victory in His name!

Now, as we gather in this place, let me remind you that, just like the city of Winterset, we too are being called to shine brightly, to rise and declare His victory. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:37 that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. And today, right here, in this beautiful town, I believe God is calling us to walk in that victory more boldly than ever before.

We live in a time where we are often tested, challenged, and at times feel like the world is against us. Some of you may feel like you’re up against mountains that won’t move, or facing obstacles that seem unshakable. But I’m here today to tell you—this is the season where the mountain will move, where the giants will fall, and where the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for is just around the corner!

God’s Promise: A New Thing

Let’s begin by reflecting on the promises God has made to each of us. In Isaiah 43:19, God says, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” What an incredible promise! God is doing a new thing. Winterset, Iowa—just like the rest of us—is about to experience something new. It may not always look like we expect, and it may not always follow the world’s logic, but God is calling us to step into it boldly.

You see, God is not limited by our human understanding or by the constraints of time and space. He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. We may be small in the eyes of the world, just like this lovely town of Winterset, but God delights in showing His glory through small places, through the forgotten corners of the earth. Winterset, and each of you here today, are placed in this time for a reason. You are part of a divine plan that is unfolding right now.

Just like Winterset became known worldwide because of the filming of The Bridges of Madison County, where Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep came together to tell a love story for the ages, God is writing a new love story in your life—a story of breakthrough, a story of victory, a story where you overcome and walk in His promises.

Stepping Into Our Authority

Winterset is also where the iconic John Wayne was born—the man who represented strength, courage, and resilience in everything he did. How fitting that this town, with such a rich history, would also be the birthplace of such an influential figure in American culture. But today, I want to ask you—what are you doing with the authority that has been given to you by God?

In Matthew 18:18, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Friends, this is not just a nice phrase; this is a declaration of our power and authority as believers. We are not victims of our circumstances. We are not passive bystanders in this world. We have been given the authority to act, to speak life, to bind the enemy’s plans, and to loose God’s kingdom here on earth!

Just as John Wayne took on roles that demanded courage, strength, and authority, you too have been called to step into your role with that same boldness. God has equipped you with the Holy Spirit to take ground, to stand firm, and to move forward with confidence. This is not a season to shrink back. No, we are in a season where God is calling His people to step forward in faith, knowing that His Spirit will equip us to accomplish everything He’s called us to do.

The Wind of Acceleration

As we step forward in this season of victory, there is something else God wants to give us—the wind of acceleration. Just as the winds sweep across the plains of Iowa, bringing change and movement, God’s Spirit is blowing in our lives, speeding up the process of our breakthrough.

There’s a momentum that God is releasing, a fresh wind that is blowing through Winterset today, propelling His people forward at an unprecedented pace. You may have felt like things have been slow or stagnant, but I declare today that the season of waiting is over. God is bringing forth an acceleration of His promises. The divine strategy He has for your life is unfolding rapidly, and it’s time to move with His wind.

This wind is not just for individuals—it’s for cities, it’s for nations, it’s for communities. Winterset, Iowa, is about to experience an outpouring of God’s Spirit like never before. You may have only seen glimpses of what God can do, but I declare that in this season, you will see His power manifested in ways that will leave you in awe. You are walking into your greater days of hearing His voice, receiving His strategy, and moving with His Spirit.

Facing Obstacles with Faith

But what about the obstacles? What about the challenges that seem to stand in our way? You may feel like you’ve fought and fought and still haven’t seen the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Let me remind you, friends, that when we step into our authority, when we move with boldness and trust in God’s plan, the impossible becomes possible.

In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Paul reminds us that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” We may face resistance, we may face opposition, but we have been given divine weapons to tear down strongholds and claim victory. God’s power is greater than anything that stands in our way.

I know many of you here in Winterset are feeling the pressure of life’s challenges, but I want to encourage you today—your breakthrough is on the horizon. As you step into your God-given authority, as you align yourself with His will, you will see walls crumble, chains break, and doors swing wide open.

Living Fully Alive in God’s Victory

As we close today, I want to remind you of one last thing: the victory God has for you is not just about overcoming obstacles. It’s about living fully alive in Him, fully aware of His presence and His power. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” God’s desire for you is not just to survive this world but to thrive in it, to walk in the fullness of His blessing, His favor, and His authority.

Winterset may be small in the eyes of the world, but this town is mighty in God’s eyes. And you, each one of you, are mighty in His sight as well. Don’t let the world tell you otherwise. You are walking in victory, and God’s power is alive in you. You are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, and this is your time to arise and shine!

Let’s pray together: “Lord, we thank You for Your promises. We thank You for the victory that is already ours in Christ Jesus. We declare today that we will walk in boldness, in authority, and in the power of Your Holy Spirit. We thank You for the acceleration of Your promises in our lives, and we declare that we will not be moved by what we see but by Your Word. We are more than conquerors, and we will walk fully alive in Your victory. In Jesus’ name, amen!”

Bless you, Winterset! God’s best is yet to come!