A New Kind of Lightning Storm

I was awakened, at just after 1 AM, to a storm that I was sure would rip the top off of my roof, exposing my family and I to all the elements that raged outside. I got up and checked the children's rooms to ensure that they were still sleeping soundly, and safely. And, indeed… it was JUST ME who had been awakened by this storm.

Pop and flash after pop and flash of lightning. Boom after boom of thunder, and a wind that roared with ferocity… such elements can bring the fear of God into a soul. I found myself seeking cover for my family… cover from the noise, protection from whatever destruction loomed at my doorstep, seeking to bring my family harm.

I remembered the Word I had digested the day prior. A familiar story about when Jesus calms the storm, and brings a great calm. The great calm has always stuck out to me. So, I uttered a simple prayer, reminding God that He was able to still any storm with just a Word, and calm the winds with His voice. I also asked to be under the protection of His wing.

Then as I listened, the storm began to dwindle. Within minutes, the lightning had subsided, and the booming thunder was no more. "Whew… that was crazy. Thank you for peace, Jesus." Then, I retreated back to my bed to get some rest.

At 5:30 AM, my phone serenaded me, and the first thoughts on my mind were concerning that storm, and how I was the only one who heard it. The one who experienced it. Everyone else just slept through it. And I knew that I wanted to tell you that I now understood what the disciples felt like when the nasty storm arose, while they were on their way with Jesus to the other side. But, the story really speaks for itself, and I didn't feel like I had much to say other than, "Jesus can still calm ANY storm, no matter the ferocity. The winds STILL obey His voice…"

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And I thought that would be it for today, my little nugget of truth for those who walk with me along this crazy, epic journey of grace. So, I jumped over to the IHOPKC PrayerRoom for a bit of worship. When I checked in, they were beginning an intercession segment, specifically for the young people in their community, and the prayer leader at the mic announced that they would be entering a time of "rapid-fire prayer".  Immediately my mind went back to that storm.

Let's revisit, how the storm awoke me. Boom after boom of thunder, and flash after flash of lightning.  And as I meditated on that, I remembered a teaching I recently heard on God's ministers being a flame of fire, and how the words "flame of fire" actually meant "flash of lightning." Hebrews 1:7 Wow.

And it got me thinking…  what if all it took to awaken our lethargic culture were a God-sized "prayer storm"?  A flash after flash, boom after boom encounter with the King of the Universe and His ministers? And, what does it really look like in the supernatural realm when God's children assemble to pray for such a thing? Definitely something to consider when the enemy of souls approaches daily in the ear, demeaning your purpose and minimizing your place in the Kingdom of God. So, again, I utter a simple prayer. Even simple prayers can prove quite "electric." Would you pray this simple prayer with me?

Father,

Flood the eyes of my heart with light, 

so that I can know and understand the hope 

to which You have called me, 

and how rich is Your glorious inheritance 

in the saints (His set-apart ones), 

And what is the immeasurable and unlimited 

and surpassing greatness of Your power

 in and for us who believe, as demonstrated 

in the working of Your mighty strength, 

which You exerted in Christ 

when You raised Him from the dead 

and seated Him at Your own right hand 

in the heavenly places,

Amen

Ephesians 1:18-20

Repeat. After. Me. I AM A FLASH OF LIGHTNING. Oh, Father, let the supernatural lightning storm begin.