Ephesians 1:19 -21and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
As I was reading this Scripture shortly after the passing of “Hilary” the hurricane, that had its focus on San Diego; I was gratefully remembering, what happened to the storm. San Diego county did experience some damage from the rain, but nothing compared to the projection of weather reported. Did they miss it? No. They did exactly what they were supposed to do: announce it and warn of potential dangers. However, in this situation the praying church (I am sure, more than our local body), did exactly what is it supposed to do. We prayed against “Hilary” the hurricane and tropical storm. We were praying in one accord in the Name of Jesus; doing His business on the earth… and it worked!
I remember back in the late 80’s about a movie being made about our Lord Jesus that provoked the church with holy indignation. I believe it was made, but it never made it to the big screen ,because the church rose up against it. On the other hand, when the movie, Passion of Christ was made, a Christian movie made a big hit at the box office because the praying church was for it. There was no social media at the time; not like today, but by word of mouth, pastors recommending it and people supporting and praying for it. Recently, The Sound of Freedom, a Christian movie, made a great showing at the box office because the church got behind it, supported it and prayed for it.
When I attended Rhema Bible Training Center (1990-1992), Rhema Bible Church was being built. The builders brought lumber early before the roof was put on and would have been damaged if it got wet. Pastor Hagin asked the student body to pray that it doesn’t rain until the roof was put on. I don’t remember exactly how long it took, but it did not rain. And the day the roof was finished there was a deluge of rain. Was that coincidental? I don’t think so. Another time at Rhema, a tornado hit Tulsa. The funnel was down in Tulsa and lifted passing over Broken Arrow (where Rhema is located) and touched down again after it passed. We were being taught, The Believers’ Authority in Christ Jesus!! Amen. These weather storms make a lot of noise and get a lot of attention.
But there are quieter storms that are happening in our society and much of them have gone unnoticed, or we believer’s cannot pinpoint our authority on how to pray effectually. These are blowing against families, children, suicides, the spirit of sexual perversion; poverty, confusion, etc.
My prayer is, Lord, help us to come together, taking hold against with the power of the Holy Spirit and name each one specifically and directly and say peace be still in our families and church families and wherever He tells us to pray on earth.
On the day, a Sunday, that “Hilary” was predicted to hit San Diego (Southern California) I was ever grateful that my church family came out to church. When we were being told by the news media to stay home and prepare yourself for possible electricity outages, put inside everything that the wind would take away, have everything charged up etc. While I am thankful for information, even more so I was grateful for the praying together as a church family and saying to the winds, “Peace be still.”
By Donisha Worsham