Through the Storm: Watch, Listen, Warn

Read Luke 12.

Whilst it is comforting to think of a lighthouse as somewhere warm and safe, a snug shelter from the elements (and this is true) we must not lose sight of its primary purpose, which is to send out a warning: the presence of the lighthouse says to shipping; “There’s dangerous rocks here, be careful, steer clear, otherwise there could be impending loss of life.” Speaking spiritually, this is our job too. 

We are not only called to shine the Light of Life into the darkness but also to station ourselves at our spiritual watch. This speaks of the prayer room: we not only need to give time to abiding in God’s presence, we also need to be willing to sit humbly, tarrying, waiting, listening for Him to speak. As we do this, He will, in His time, reveal things to us.

It might just be a single word or thought that comes into our mind seemingly from ‘nowhere’. He might show us something that is happening in the spiritual realm, followed by how we are to pray or what we must do with the information we have received. So, we are also to nurture a heart that is quick to obey what He says.

We are also to nurture a heart that is quick to obey what He says.

As the darkness encroaches and it becomes more difficult for believers to gather together with the ease we have previously known, hearing directly from God for ourselves will become of paramount importance. If we can maintain a level of personal intimacy with God then He will not only give us wisdom about where to go and what to do but also increase our spiritual discernment about who we are to share the things we are hearing with. This will be a vital commodity for us to live as overcomers and fulfil our purpose in the days ahead.

Sometimes we may have to share, test and weigh what we have heard amongst the wider Body of Christ, for in truth we are not one isolated lighthouse but a whole group aiming to stand tall and strong for God in the same stormy sea. Back in 2008, our regional prayer team received a strong prophetic word in which God gave a powerful warning of dark stormy days ahead for the world and the Church. The challenge was for us to prepare our hearts, our homes and the people of God. 

The Holy Spirit so convicted us with a sense of urgency and responsibility for sharing this message that my colleague took the message to a group of Christian leaders in Westminster, from where it was shared with one very senior member of the royal family. At the same time, a friend and I travelled for three months throughout the southwest of England sharing the same message with whosoever would receive us. 

We are now beginning to walk through the very situations the Lord warned us to prepare for.

We are now beginning to walk through the very situations the Lord warned us to prepare for.

Additional reading: Habakkuk 2:1; Luke 20:20; Acts 20:28.

Prayer Time:

Consider a world where persecution here is more obvious and evil than it is today. 

• Why might it not be wise to use the internet, smart phones and social media at that time? 

Think beyond yourself to your social network.

• What might be the implications of your using social media?

During the COVID-19 outbreak I was literally inundated with contacts sending me various YouTube clips or Bible teachings which were mainly conspiracy theory based. I quickly reached saturation point! 

• Who should we really be taking time to listen to? 
• Why is that?  
• How do you hear from God? 
• Do you believe He speaks to you? 

Ask Him to build your confidence to believe what He says to you and to give you someone you trust with whom you can share and weigh what you are hearing. 
Ask Him to give you boldness to share His warnings sensitively.