"There is coming, imminently, a crisis of international proportions. It is unlike any other the world has faced. (It may be terrorism related or not?) International leaders will not know what to do. The danger is so great that some leaders will turn to the Church for answers. We cannot avert the crisis because it is of GOD. However, we can be ready for it. If we are ready, the church will find the answer and the effect of the crisis will be diverted. There must be unity and agreement among believers for us to pray effectively. If not there will be great devastation."
Later, I heard me asking myself, " What are the implications for our response to this crisis?"
I began to search for a scriptural answer and here is what I came up with:
HOW GREAT BIBLICAL LEADERS RESPONDED TO CRISIS
Joseph
Genesis 40:8, 41:12 - Dreams belong to GOD( so does Prophecy)
Joshua
Joshua 7:6-10,13 - Sanctify the people
David
I Samuel 17:26ff - Angry at the enemies of GOD
David, son of Jesse, the shepherd boy, had an errand to run. His father told him to take the cheese and flour down to the camp to his brothers and the army. You know the story.
It seemed like a simple errand. A ten mile hike through familiar territory. Drop off the stuff, Say "Hi" to the brothers, see the sights and home before dark or stay the night and come home the next day. No complications, no hurry, no hassles. A simple job hardly worthy of a future King. He had no idea that he was in for the fight of his life, one that would determine his future and the course of his destiny.
There was a surprise waiting for David, a big surprise. A nasty, burly giant of a man who was insulting David's God and His people. It made David furious. He wasn't afraid, just perturbed!! He saw immediately that this braggerd of a giant was no more dangerous an adversary than the bellowing bear or the roaring lion which he had already met and defeated. His brothers put him down. They'd heard the stories before.
After some momentary confusion trying to follow the advice of others, David trusted his own instincts and relied on his tried and true weapon, His sling. He ran at the Giant flung his stone and hit him dead center.
- When your Father gives you an errand to run Be prepared for a fight.
- Remember every thing is Kingdom business.
- David wasn't awed by the giant. He had already faced the Bear and the lion. David was prepared to fight the Giant because he had already fought the bear and the lion.
- David was angered at the Giant's insults. He had been out in the fields singing love songs to his heavenly Father. He had gotten intimate with God. When someone you are in love with is insulted you get angry.
- When David faced the bear he didn't know about the lion & the giant. When he faced the lion he remembered the bear. When he faced the Giant he knew about the bear and the lion.
David's brothers had heard his stories. They did not think much of them or they were jealous. Don't expect your brothers & sisters to respect your battles or your victories.
- His brothers were in awe of the giant. They had never faced the bear and the lion.
- His brothers had seen him anointed but they didn't understand or accept his anointing. Those closest to you often don't.
- David relied on his tried and true weapon that he had perfected. A sling like that is not easy to use and he had spent hours out in the field becoming an expert. When you are in the fight of your life its no time to try untested weapons. Identify your weapons and perfect their use.
- David ran at the Giant and caught him off guard (his helmet wasn't on or he would not have been killed by the stone).
- David utterly destroyed the Giant. Don't leave your enemy half dead.
Mordecai
Esther 4:1 - Cried with a loud & bitter cry -- get GOD's attention
Esther
Esther 4:16 - Call to fast and pray
Elijah
II KINGS 1:3 - DO not inquire of other GODS - We have a GOD who has the answers.
Elisha
II KINGS 6:8-10,17 - Through supernatural knowledge open your eyes to see the armies of GOD - Horses and Chariots of FIRE
Daniel
Daniel 6:10 - Prayed on his knees three times a day; prayed and gave thanks.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah 1:4 - Wept, mourned, fasted, prayed & repented
- Both Daniel and Nehemiah did Identificational repentance taking responsibility for the sins of all the people.
John
Revelation 1:10 - He was in the spirit on the Lord's Day
SUMMARY
1. We are to acknowledge GOD's Sovereignty. It is in His hands and He has the answers.
2. Personal Sanctification is our entry point.
3. Take every task seriously. The smallest situation may lead to the greatest victory. Everything is KINGDOM business.
4. Our big weapons are FASTING, PRAYER, REPENTANCE AND A PASSIONATE APPEAL TO GOD.
5. We must purpose to be IN THE SPIRIT, ready to ascend to His courts for the revelation we seek.
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