Storm Watch: Floods and Loss

By Jim Yackel

God has given us Himself in three parts: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has also blessed us with each other: brothers, sisters, family, and friends. So often, this great gift that is each other is neglected, rejected, insulted, and spurned. We are now entering into days where we must repair and restore bridges that have been burned.

We will need each other as the Storm builds to its full and angry fury. June 26th, 2010 has seen an intensification of elements from June 25th - and in this build toward the apex many will suffer great loss. "Loss" is a word that I keep seeing. I see loss written on foreheads above smiling, unaware faces and I desire to say something, but the words are kept from flowing as is water behind an earthen dam. But, dams will break as they give up trying to hold back the raging, rising water. With painful, resigned groans they will release their burdens and cause flooding that will lead to loss.

So, it will be incumbent upon us to be available to those who will suffer great loss as the floods flow and the quakes shake in the Storm that intensifies in the coming few months. This morning, as this writer taps words out of his keyboard, he has great concern over mighty rivers in America's heartland. But, this niggling nagging concern doesn't begin and end with those waterways; as floods can manifest themselves in what are today unimaginable ways.

Floods of tears and sadness. Floods of despair caused by a lack of spiritual preparation. A flood of rude awakenings for those who have ignored the subtle yet persistent signs. A torrent of grief over loss, as the Storm is a thief - but not like He who will come like a thief in the night.

We who watch at the wall can sound the warning cry, but for the most part those who have loss written on their foreheads also have skepticism and disbelief plugging their ears. It is not until loss is suffered that they will choose to heed the call. They will mock and scoff the writings of someone like me. So many will eat and drink without concern for a time when plentiful storehouses and supermarket shelves will be empty. Like in the days of Noah, they will be giving in marriage. They will be planning futures without a concern for the dark clouds forming on the horizon. They will be caught laughing with chicken grease smeared around their mouths as the last bit of flesh is pulled from the bone. And then, they will be trapped in the snare of painful despair as they have been caught purposefully unaware.

Brothers and sisters, please do not condemn these who have loss written on their foreheads. Please do not pull righteous rank on them or be "holier than thou." We were born to love, and love on them is what we must do. Yes, these who will know the greatest loss have been purposefully negligent while enjoying the proverbial rock-n-roll party in the streets. But within the destruction of the Storm that is gathering today will also be a time of rebirth and renewal - if only for a short while.

Some of those who today have loss written on their foreheads will be opened to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus during the strenuous times that are quickly approaching. We, as His ambassadors and warriors, as His Storm Troopers, as human manifestations of His love - we must be prepared to offer a firm yet gentle hand combined with a kind word, all led by His word. Those who have loss written on their foreheads can be found, and it will be incumbent upon us to lead the way. We will lead the way by walking as He would choose us to walk.

Loss of fortunes, homes, and families. Loss of food and freedoms. Loss of mental and physical health. All of this is nigh upon us and will deceive many into believing that Jacob's Trouble has come to their doors - but no, that will be even worse.

Before the trumpet sounds to call us home, be ready to love like you have never loved. We will be kindly and brave Storm Troopers - and we will be servants and not masters. The day is at the door. Are we ready?

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!