Several years ago there was a movie out called The Perfect Storm. It was about some fisherman caught at sea during an extratropical nor’easter which ultimately evolved into an unusual hurricane off the Atlantic coast. As several different weather patterns collided, the storm it caused created waves up to 100 feet high. From a meteorologist’s perspective (not a fisherman’s perspective), it was “the perfect storm.”

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a perfect storm? Have you ever seen issues from all directions collide at once…with you in the middle?!

I read an article by another pastor recently who believed our nation is in a perfect storm. Just like in the movie, where all the varying weather conditions led to a convergence of one great maelstrom, so it is spiritually in our nation.

What issues are converging to create the perfect storm in America?
• Religion – our nation is becoming increasingly secularized, but not without a struggle (often referred to as the “cultural war”).
• Politics – are more polarized than ever.
• War – this is a dangerous world.
• Economics – no need for explanation here…
• Geophysical issues – our planet is revolting against our stewardship of it.

We could debate for hours whether it is God who caused this storm or if it has been caused by our greed and allowed by God. But ultimately we get to the point that the storm is here (or at least is quickly approaching).

So what do we need to know to survive this perfect storm that is advancing on our nation? Let me suggest three important things:

1. God always shows Himself powerful in the midst of adversity and difficulty. Whether we’re talking about his saving the nation of Israel through the Red Sea or raising his own Son from the grave, God always comes through in a pinch.

2. Since storms neither affect nor scare God, storms are HIS opportunity to show Himself powerful.

3. Since both of these are true, storms are OUR opportunity to trust Him and let Him move in our lives.

If our nation is in the perfect storm, there are things we can do to batten down the hatches. There are political, economic, and ecological responses. But ultimately, we must turn to the Lord for help. This is what God says:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will 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.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

If, like me, you see the storm coming, get in a local, life-giving church near you. I’ll see you there…hopefully before the rain starts!

New Life Church services are Sundays at 8:30 am (Robson Ranch campus) and 10:00 am (Denton campus), www.newlifedenton.org