In the aftermath of the devastation of 9-11 coupled with the series of severe destructive hurricanes, historic Gulf Oil Spill, wars in the Far East, uprisings in northern Africa and Middle East, the devastating Japanese Earthquake all happening in just the past few years – one is prone to ask many questions. In times of uncertainty, the “why” question appears in it’s many forms. But perhaps the question to be asking is not just “why” but “how”. How are we to respond in such times? Difficult times come – whether it is in our personal lives, those of a family, church, business, city or even nation. But the basic principles remain the same no matter what sphere is confronted or needs to be addressed.
It is my personal conviction that as a nation, at 9-11 and even at the time of Hurricane Katrina – and the great flood of a thousand years in Nashville - we did make a turn “towards” the Lord. How wonderful it was – even though for only a little while – to see churches open for prayer – special rallies held, even stadiums filled in a couple of cities – with prayer and worship. Tears flowed. Compassion was expressed. Humanitarian aid poured in. Life as we knew it – halted for a moment.
But as a nation, we did not actually turn “to” the Lord to be comforted and healed. “Towards” and “to” are entirely different responses. Seems to me a band aid was temporarily put upon our deep wounds and most of us – even in the church world – have gone on with life as usual. What happened to applications of carpe diem – seize the moment?
A Radical Remnant Responds
Of course, this is not the case of a radical remnant of believers who responded whole heartedly to the times. Their lives will never go back to consumer Christianity – they have been changed into producers for the Kingdom. Thank the Lord for all the prayer groups that have taken their place on the wall and all the many mercy ministries that have come to the aid of these many crisis. But to be honest, even this cost counting continuum seems to appear as a tiny peripheral portion of the church compared to the over all stagnant condition of the greater body of Christ.
But what if this is only a “dress rehearsal”? What if there are more severe, devastating storms, attacks and crisis events coming? Have we learned anything? Author Francis Schaeffer taught to ask the right question years ago, “How then should we live?”
Storm Warnings Have Sounded
Times of shaking are upon us. There’s no doubt about that one! But could it be that God’s plumb line, as in the times of the prophet Amos, are being dropped in the midst of the shakings? The plumb line of God’s unchanging Word and of His character is being dropped in the midst of the church, the nation and the nations. Do we measure up? What chiropractic adjustments must be made in the body of Christ and the nation in order to achieve the fullness of His purposes in this kairos moment?
Storms … shakings … turbulent times … wars and rumors of wars … conflicts … terrorism … are on the rise. What lies ahead? How do we respond? How do we prepare as we see storms coming?
Storms in life and the world seem to take on three forms:
- Storms of Consequences of Sins - Our Needed Response:
Desperate, true repentance expressed with humility and lack of defensiveness. A realization that we do “reap what we sow” mixed with a foundational belief in the grace and goodness of God. Turn 180 degrees to the Lord and ask for His help to change.
- Storms of God’s Judgment – Our Needed Response:
A desperate cry for mercy is required while seeking the Lord’s face for forgiveness with brokenness and tenaciousness. Seek discernment and wisdom. Give Him first place in all things remembering mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Storms of Dark Demonic Attack - Our Needed Response:
Cleansing from any “common ground issues with the enemy” followed by desperate, authoritative intercession in which we exercise bold faith in the name of Jesus over the powers of darkness. Cultivate thankfulness, keep perspective and praise the Lord at all times.
Each storm in life requires a different biblical response but, in one way, each storm requires the same response - Desperation. Ultimately, when surrendered unto God, every storm can redemptively be used for God’s glory, work together for His purposes and even forge character in us.
Calling Forth Intervention in Perilous Times
There is not a period in history that extreme prayer hasn’t been in the forefront of the purposes of God. In fact, in every revival the Lord always sets a people to praying first. Extremist do not hold back but rather cry out in desperation for God to visit them, change them, deliver them, and set free those in captivity. Extreme results are preceded by extreme prayer. History bears this out. Why should this generation be any different?
True authentic revival comes forth when God’ people let their inner beings be filled with that which is in God’s heart. They open their eyes – they get involved. They let the sights and sounds of pain and the suffering get into their inner most being. Agony and the oppression of a people grips these true believers and they cry out as a women in travail.
Isaiah’s gave us such an example of persistent petitioning.
- Isaiah 41:21-22 - Present your case, the Lord says, bring forward your strong arguments... let them bring forth and declare to us what is going to take place.
- Isaiah 42:14 - I have kept silent for a long time, I have kept still and restrained myself, now like a woman in labor I will groan, I will gasp and pant.
- Isaiah 62: 1-2 - For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. NIV
- Isaiah 62: 6-7 - I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
If it was good enough for Isaiah, then it’s good enough for me!
How Should We Respond?
Can we yet seize the moment to be enforcers of the Kingdom? Can we stir ourselves to action and actually live the book of James where our works match our faith? Can we have the spirit of Issachar upon us and actually discern the times and the seasons and know how to live?
I say yes! Let’s take our intercessory stand on the wall, stir up the grace of compassion and do the works of Jesus. Let’s get the whole prophetic movement out of conferences only mode and thrust forth into prophetic evangelism where the sick are healed, demons are cast out and Good News is proclaimed to the captives. What time is it? It’s time to seize the moment!
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