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For over a week now the news coverage headlines have been “Katrina Aftermath,” “State of Emergency.” Indeed, this is a state of emergency. For some, this is the first time to witness a natural disaster of such proportions—the evacuation of some 500,000 people.
Yet, amid this state of emergency, we the people of God must look beyond the devastation and despair to see the healing and hope that must come through Christians operating in the power and unity of the Spirit across America, especially here in the Houston area. What is now referred to as a “natural disaster” can turn out to be a supernatural move of God Almighty, the Sovereign LORD and Master of all, made visible to the world.
From this perspective, it is a “move of God.” Of course, this is definitely an unusual move, but a move nonetheless. Usually, we associate a move of God with three nights of high praise, jubilation and lots of emotionalism in our local churches, and we call it revival. But a real move of God ushers in revival that spreads like a forest fire. It may start at a local church, but it is uncontainable like the Azusa Street revival of 1906-1909 and the Brownsville revival of 1995 in Pensacola, Florida.
No doubt, many would disagree to this being a move of God to start revival. Nevertheless, according to Colossians 1:16-17, God is all-powerful. He controls everything and holds everything together. Consequently, nothing just happens. (“Christ Himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t; the spirit world with it kings and kingdoms, its rulers, and authorities; all were made by Christ for his own use and glory. He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together”)—The Living Bible.
I believe God has destined Houston as the headquarters for revival to spread throughout America! I am convinced that He has strategically anointed the local body of believers in the Houston area to be the metropolis of unity in Spirit and Truth to usher in revival and restoration. The devastating effect of Hurricane Katrina places a demand on the Church to rise up and adhere to the Word of God through action. (Matthew 25:31-40, and James 2:14, “...what’s the use of saying that you have faith and are Christians if you aren’t helping others?” ). God has issued a mandate for unity. Throughout the city, local pastors and congregations are working together with singleness of purpose to head relief efforts and major campaigns to assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Why is Houston the headquarters for revival? I believe the Lord chose the city of Houston because it is saturated with prayer and the spiritual climate is ripe for widespread revival. There are pastors, leaders, prayer warriors and intercessors throughout this city with a heart for advancing the Kingdom of God, and have been praying for a mighty move of God. And the Bible declares, “If my people, which are called by my name would humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14). The healing has begun in the Gulf Coast region of the land.
When did the spiritual climate of Houston change? Four years ago Tropical Storm Allison gave us a humbling experience that ushered in a “spirit of prayer and repentance” as floodwaters rose to unprecedented heights of 10 feet. You might say, we were empowered by the storm. It was our “wake-up” call. September 11 (911) traumatized the nation as many watched planes soar into the World Trade Towers. This was a second “wake-up” call, which resulted in more fervent prayers and repentance. This time, the spiritual climate of Houston ascended to a higher dimension. Consequently, we have received the mantle to sound the alarm throughout the Gulf Coast and the nation that this is the hour for revival. Actually, the state of Texas is a melting pot of radical Christians, empowered to bring revival to this country.
Therefore, let us pray that in the midst of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, the harvest God has sent our way would be recognized as a move of God to expand His Kingdom, change lives, and liberate souls from captivity in the pit of darkness, which has plagued the Gulf Coast Region of our nation for so long. Let us pray that the unified efforts of this local body of believers and pastors would take this city and this nation for Jesus Christ; that we rise up as the Church of Jesus Christ, take our position of authority and put a demand on the kingdom of darkness through the power of the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray for emotional healing and that the psychological effects from Katrina are short-term. We should bind spirits of suicide and fear, and loose peace, love, faith, hope and prosperity into the lives of our brothers and sisters.
We must declare and decree the word of God over them; that ALL things work together for the good to them that love God and are the called according to his purpose; that His thoughts toward them are for their good and to give them an expected future.
Let us pray that the finances be released and integrity rules; that no weapon formed against them shall prosper! Remember that many fellow believers are included in the displaced masses. Let’s pray that they will hold fast to the profession of their faith, and not faint, but will experience the sufficiency of God’s grace in their time of weakness, so that they are strengthened in their inner man to strengthen others; giving them a reason to hope in Jesus Christ. Let us pray for the speedy reunion of family and friends still missing. Let us pray for the peace and comfort of those who suffered loss.
We must declare and decree that the Kingdom of God shall come and that His will be done in the Earth as it is in Heaven. This is the time for revival in the land. We must redeem the time!
As we unite as one Body to offer healing and hope through the love of Christ, both naturally and spiritually, know that we bring glory to God and the name of Jesus is exalted among the nations.
Yes, this is a state of emergency, but looking through the eyes of faith, it is a state of urgency for the Kingdom of God!
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© 2005 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author. Credit must be given to copyright owner.