More trauma will come as natural disasters and terrorist attacks increase, but God will shelter his people giving them supernatural protection. Angels will come in huge numbers and Christians will rise above their fears to minister to hurting people with great compassion and God-inspired peace. Are you frightened or are you ready?
Hurricane Katrina was a small preview of the book of Revelation. The New Orleans, “Day of Decadence” was scheduled for the next day, if the hurricane had not come. It was to be a hideous display of debauchery and gross perversion in the streets. God judged it. The book of Revelation tells us that much more judgment is coming. God is using traumas like Katrina to train his people to extend love and mercy for the time of judgment that is coming.
Many lovers of Jesus are ready to die, even in a natural disaster, but millions will be supernaturally protected by angels. We hear of supernatural protection coming to many during Katrina.
God deals with his children as individuals. With God, we are not just a number in the hoard of humanity. Others may die around us, but special protection comes to the children of God. “A thousand will fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” Ps. 91:7
He saves us from our sin one at a time, even though we may be saved along with a crowd at a Billy Graham Crusade. He disciples us personally giving each of us training that is unique to our walk with him. He also protects us individually with angels sent to watch over us when trouble hits. It does not matter how pervasive a catastrophe may be; God has the last word over our lives. He extends miraculous protection to his children. No one who walks with God can be taken from the earth until God’s appointed moment of time.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Ps 91:1
This scripture talks about the shelter. Some shelters for Katrina proved less than substantial, but God’s shelter cannot be penetrated. We must find the shelter of the Most High. If we live in close harmony and fellowship with the Lord, we dwell in his shelter and then his shadow stretches over us. That is his personal protection over our lives. If we stay intimately close to the Lord we are literally indestructible. No terrorist or disaster can harm us until God decides to bring you home. “If you make the Most High your dwelling – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come. He will command his angels concerning you to guard you. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Ps. 91:9-12
When others are in fear you will minister compassion and peace to them. That is how mercy triumphs over judgment. Judgment will bring many sinners to their knees and compassionate saints will lead them to Jesus. Christians are saying, “Lord here I am, send me.” Are you frightened or are you ready?
Paul was in that exact situation when the ship he was on met a hurricane. (Acts 27) For 14 days the crew did everything possible, but they were headed for certain death. Then Paul’s angel appeared. Because Paul lived in the shelter of the Most High, everyone on board was saved. Paul extended God’s mercy to 276 people. He said, “Last night an angel of the God whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’” Acts 27:23,24
The ship was destroyed, but not a soul was lost. Angels protected them. I am sure that many repented of their sins, and became ministers of the Gospel, leading thousands to Christ in the days following. They all left that storm with a testimony.
This same pattern is found in the Tribulation period. The book of Revelation reveals 3 sets of global judgments and 3 major revivals as well. More people will come to Christ during those days than perhaps in all of history. The first judgments are war, famine and disease. Satan and those who follow him are judged, but angels are sent to protect the saints. Christians play a vital role in the tribulation. Whether it is you or another, the fact is that Christians are there in the Tribulation period extending God’s love and compassion. Listen to the angel, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine.” Rev. 6:6
Gas prices rose sharply because of Katrina, but do you know that a loaf of bread will cost about $100.00 in the first part of the tribulation. Pain comes, but oil and wine will flow. Oil and wine describe Christian love and compassion. The story of the Good Samaritan reveals this. While on his journey, the Samaritan came upon a dying man. He cared for him, pouring oil and wine into his wounds. All of God’s law hangs on two things, loving the Lord and loving our neighbor. Jesus said this and was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Lk. 10:26-34.
In response, he told of the Good Samaritan pouring in the wine and the oil. In the middle of judgment, angels assist the saints so they may extend the love of Jesus.
Love in the Tribulation releases revival. Jews and Gentiles will come to Christ. It is all recorded in Revelation 7 vs. 4 to 14. Here we see 144,000 Jews before the throne. That is a symbolic number for a huge family. 12 is the number for family. Multiply it by 12,000 and it makes 144,000 – a great family. Each Jewish tribe is recorded. We see a Jewish revival coming. In verse 9 we read of a great multitude of Gentiles. The crowd is so massive that the number is not even counted. They are before the throne in white robes. “These in white robes – who are they, and where do they come from?” And he said, “These are they that have come out of the great Tribulation.” Rev. 7:13,14
That is revival in the Tribulation period. More trauma means more angels are sent to earth. “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Heb.1:14
Like Elisha’s servant, some do not see the protection of angels and are afraid of the future. Terror surrounded the city where Elisha was and his servant was afraid. He said, “Oh my Lord what shall we do?” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2Kgs. 6:15-17
An army of angels was there to protect them. Children have angels defending them. Jesus said, “Do not look down on one of these little ones, for their angels always behold the face of my Father in heaven.” Mt. 18:10
Christians walking in the fear of the Lord have protecting angels. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Ps. 34:7
Be careful how you treat strangers; some have entertained angels unawares. Heb. 13:2
Expect many more angelic visitations in the days to come. Settle the issue; put your faith in the Lord. When tragedy strikes be a missionary, not a victim of fear. Do not be frightened — be ready.
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