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10-07-99

This word is submitted by Dale Youngs (youngs@netscorp.net)

The Coming Storm

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE NATURAL . . .

Hurricane Bret looked as if it were heading directly for Brownsville, Texas, which is located down at the southern-most tip of the Texas. Heeding the warning of the weather officials, thousands upon thousands of people boarded up their homes and evacuated to higher ground as quickly as possible.

Then Bret began to turn north, and the same warnings were issued for another major Texas city - Corpus Christi. The same scenario was replayed there -- a direct hit was predicted. People were told that the winds could gust up to 170 mph and as much as 30 inches of rain might fall. And the highways were jammed as those evacuating fled to a safe haven in other cities.

But thanks be to God, the storm turned and went between Brownsville and Corpus, venting its fury on a relatively unpopulated area. And all the people returned home. And those who had stayed behind said, "It was no big deal. It seems like a lot of fuss for nothing."

APPLICATION IN THE SPIRITUAL . . .

I believe that God is speaking to His people through this storm:

"Do not be deceived. There will be other hurricanes. Many of those who 'rode out' Bret will be unconcerned the next time a hurricane is headed for them, and they will not take the proper precautions. They will not flee to higher ground. They will not seek out a safe haven. And many of them will pay dearly.

"My children, this is a word to My church. You have been experiencing storms in your lives. Some of you feel under attack as never before. It is but a time of preparation. You are in a storm now, but there are bigger storms ahead. You feel under attack, but there is a great demonic unleashing ahead.

"What you are experiencing now is My wake-up call. The rains are going to come down. The streams are going to rise. The winds are going to blow and beat against your house. Have you been listening to My words, and putting them into practice? What - or Who - is your foundation?

"This is not a time to relax. This is not a time to let down your guard. It is a time for vigilance. It is a time to be alert. It is a time to keep your heads up and your eyes scanning the horizon for danger. Remember Gideon's 300 who did not drop their heads! It is not a coincidence that the hurricane was headed for Corpus Christi, which means 'the Body of Christ'. This is a message to My Body.

"Do not trust in yourself when the storms come. Do not fail to heed My Voice of warning as I whisper in your spirit. I am your Higher Ground. I am your Safe Haven. I am your Refuge and your Strong Tower. Come to Me and I will hide you under the shelter of My wings. There is no wind, no rain, no storm that can harm you if you are abiding in Me."

Pastor Dale Youngs
Laredo, Texas