A Prophetic Look at the Tuscon Tragedy

The Jan. 8 assassination attempt of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, along with the killing of six others, including a federal judge, his staffer and a 9-year-old girl, has left Arizonans saddened and shocked. Many ministers and intercessors throughout Arizona have expressed their grief and frustration regarding this unanticipated tragedy, in that it seemingly occurred without divine warning. Nevertheless, the setting and circumstances of this tragedy are covered with Satan’s fingerprints—revealing his diabolical intentions toward not only the victims, but also the state of Arizona.

The shooting occurred at a Safeway grocery store on 7110 N. Oracle Road in Tucson. The word safeway implies a secure passage or refuge, mirroring Arizona’s divine redemptive purpose to become a “state of refuge” for thousands across the U.S. (see Mal. 4:2). The word oracle, which represents prophets and prophetic ministry, reflects another aspect of Arizona’s prophetic destiny—becoming a state of prophetic vision for and declaration to our nation. Moreover, the demonic, premeditated scheme of the assassin is uncovered in the street address of the murder scene: “7110.”

Psalm 71:10: “For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together” (emphasis added).

The time of the shooting reported by the Arizona Republic, 10:10 a.m., encapsulates Satan’s plan to steal, kill and destroy the lives of these innocent victims and the divine destiny of Arizona. Nevertheless, the following passage of scripture reminds us of a prophetic promise that the abundant life and glory of the Lord will soon arise and shine over Arizona as a light to this nation:

John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (emphasis added).

For years Satan has been raging against Arizona, thwarting and mocking our redemptive purpose as a state of refuge, revival, and prophetic vision for the United States of America. In Arizona’s early days, thousands suffering from a myriad of health issues would migrate here for physical restoration. In recent years, thousands more from California have relocated here for economic restoration and to find refuge from the threat of earthquakes.

However, most recently, illegal immigration, drug and sex trafficking, kidnapping, and murder have characterized Arizona in the eyes of most of Americans. Indeed, the devil has used the media to negatively portray Arizona as a “state of refuse” instead of the “state of refuge” it is called to be. Nevertheless, soon thousands more in search of a spiritual safeway, or refuge, will invade Arizona, as revival glory begins to rise over our state.

Over the past century, numerous prophets and prophetic ministries have been conceived in Arizona, but either fell into moral or doctrinal sin, died prematurely, or relocated to another state to fulfill their purpose. Those days are over. Indeed, prophets will no longer stand alone in Arizona but will be betrothed to a mighty band of intercessors engaged in continual spiritual warfare over the destiny of America.

Indeed, the Lord has called Arizona to not only be an oracle to this nation, but also to “take the point” in prayer for our nation. Answering Arizona’s call to prayer, a 24/7 prayer movement has emerged over the past three years, lighting the fire of intercession throughout our state. Indeed, the marriage and cooperative ministry of Arizona’s prophets and priestly intercessors will one day serve as a model for strategic-level spiritual warfare for America and the nations.

 Kay and I encourage all Arizonans to continue praying for the families and friends of those slain in this tragedy in Tucson, as well as for the miraculous recovery of Congresswoman Giffords and the others critically injured in the shooting. However, let us neither cower in fear nor hang our heads in shame over this tragedy—for this is indeed the enemy’s intent. Instead, let this tragedy embolden and inspire Arizonans to arise, unite, and courageously pursue the fulfillment of our divine destiny as a state of refuge, revival and prophetic vision for America.