with the series of severe and destructive hurricanes, historic Gulf
oil spill, wars in the Far East, uprisings in northern Africa and the
Middle East, and the devastating earthquake in Japan all happening in
just the last few years, one is prone to ask many questions. In times
of uncertainty, the “why” question appears in its 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 own lives, or in 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, we did make a turn
“toward” the Lord. How wonderful it was–even though for only a
little while–to see churches opened 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. Toward and to are
entirely different responses. Seems to me a Band-Aid
was put temporarily on 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 wholeheartedly to the times. Their lives
will never go back to consumer Christianity; they have been changed
into producers for the kingdom of God. Thank the Lord for all the
prayer groups that have taken a place on the wall and the many mercy
ministries that have come to the aid of those in these many crises.
But, to be honest, even this cost-counting continuum
seems to appear as a tiny peripheral portion of the church compared
with the over all stagnant condition of the greater body of Christ.
What if these events have been only a dress rehearsal? What if there
are more severe and devastating storms, attacks and crisis events
coming? Have we learned anything? Author Francis Schaeffer asked 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
character is being dropped into the middle of the church, our nation
and the other nations. Do we measure up? What chiropractic
adjustments must be made in the body of Christ and the country to
achieve the fullness of His purposes in this kairos
moment?
Storms, times of shaking and turbulence, wars and
rumors of wars, conflicts, terrorism: all these are on the rise. What
lies ahead? How do we respond? How do we prepare as we see more
storms coming?
Storms seem to take on three forms, whether they are
in our personal lives or the world in general:
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, with brokenness and tenaciousness, is
required while seeking the Lord’s face for forgiveness. 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 to God, every storm can be used
redemptively for God’s glory, and can work together for His
purposes and even forge character in us.
Calling Forth Intervention in Perilous
Times
There is no period in history when extreme prayer
hasn’t been in the forefront of the purposes of God. In fact, in
every revival the Lord always calls people to start praying first.
Prayer extremists 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?
Authentic revival comes forth when God’ people let
their hearts be filled with what is in God’s heart. They open their
eyes; they get involved. They let the sights and sounds of pain get
into their inner-most being. The agony and oppression of a people
grip these true believers, and they cry out like women in travail.
Isaiah gave us such an example of persistent
petitioning:
1. 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 (41:21-22).
2. 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 (42:14).
3. 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 (62: 1-2).
4. 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 (62:
6-7).
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 into prophetic evangelism, in which 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.
About the author: James W. Goll is the co-founder of Encounters
Network, director of PrayerStorm, and coordinates
Encounters Alliance, a coalition of leaders. He has shared Jesus in more than
40 nations worldwide teaching and imparting the power of intercession,
prophetic ministry and life in the Spirit. He is the author of numerous books
including PrayerStorm, Angelic Encounters, Prophetic Intercessor and The
Seer.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.