At Peace in the Storm
To face the coming storm, we need to be prepared by spending time in the Father's presence, beholding his face, and being thoroughly persuaded that he is at our right hand.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the promises of God to protect His people during the impending storms of judgment, referencing Zechariah and Isaiah to illustrate God's commitment to be a refuge. He warns that the coming storm will be severe, causing fear among many, but reassures that God reveals His plans to His prophets to call His people back to Him. Wilkerson highlights the importance of remaining in God's presence, as Jesus did, to maintain peace in our spirits amidst turmoil. He calls for believers to seek intimacy with God through prayer and reflection to prepare for the challenges ahead. Ultimately, the sermon encourages a return to God as a source of strength and protection.
Text
God promised the prophet Zechariah that in the last days, he would be a protective wall of fire around his people: "'For I,' says the Lord, 'will be a wall of fire all around her'" (Zechariah 2:5). Likewise, Isaiah testifies: "There shall be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain" (Isaiah 4:6).
These promises are meant to comfort us before a great storm comes in the final days. Indeed, Jesus says this coming storm will be so frightful that people's hearts will fail them as they see it developing (see Luke 21:26).
Now, if Jesus says this storm is going to be ferocious, we can be sure it will be an awesome moment in history. Yet, the Bible assures us God never sends judgment on any society without first revealing to his prophets what he plans to do: "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).
This is a marvelous expression of our Lord's great love for his people. Just prior to an impending storm of judgment, he always commands his prophets to warn the people to return to him: "I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions ... through the witness of the prophets" (Hosea 12:10).
Always keep in mind that God lovingly calls his people back to himself in order to protect them in times of storm. Our nation has turned far away from God. Just look at the abortion rate, the conditions in the schools, the addiction and blasphemy and immorality present in our society.
How do we emulate Jesus' attitude in these troubling times? The secret: Jesus kept the Father always before his face! David speaks prophetically of Christ: "I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken" (Acts 2:25). The literal meaning here is, "I was always in his presence, beholding his face."
Beloved, if we're going to face the coming storm, then we need to be prepared so nothing disturbs our spirit. And the only way to do that is to spend time in the father's presence, beholding his face. We have to be shut in with him - on our knees -- until we're thoroughly persuaded he's at our right hand!
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Protective Presence
- A. Zechariah's promise of a wall of fire
- B. Isaiah's promise of a tabernacle for shade
- II. God's Warning Before Judgment
- A. Jesus' promise of a great storm
- B. God's revelation to prophets
- III. Emulating Jesus' Attitude
- A. Keeping the Father before our face
- B. Beholding God's face in prayer
Key Quotes
“God promised the prophet Zechariah that in the last days, he would be a protective wall of fire around his people: 'For I,' says the Lord, 'will be a wall of fire all around her' (Zechariah 2:5).” — David Wilkerson
“We have to be shut in with him - on our knees -- until we're thoroughly persuaded he's at our right hand!” — David Wilkerson
“I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken (Acts 2:25).” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We must spend time in prayer, beholding God's face, to prepare for the coming storm.
- God's presence is our greatest protection in times of trouble.
- We must return to God before he sends judgment on our society.