In the past, there have been numerous writings on the winds of change. Most of them refer to some type of freedom or
autonomy. For instance, in 1989 the
German rock band, Scorpions wrote the song, “Winds of Change”. The lyrics celebrate the end of the Cold War
and the beginning of the pervasive fall of Socialist-run governments in eastern-bloc
nations where religion was actively suppressed.
In 1960, British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan addressed the
South African Parliament with his “Wind of Change” speech during his African
tour. He suggested an independence movement across
the continent, acknowledging that black people in Africa had the right to rule
themselves. His speech also signaled a change in attitude towards the Apartheid
regime in South Africa and is considered a milestone in the process of
decolonization. MacMillan said, “"The
wind of change is blowing through this [African] continent, and whether we like
it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must
all accept it as a fact, and our national policies must take account of it."
No doubt, the past century has witnessed progress
in the way of social equality and freedom, but morally we are bankrupt. And today, the term “winds of change” has a
more literal connotation for us. The
deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma, the devastating fires in California and of course
Sandy, the most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season
have proven this accurate. At least 285
people were killed by Sandy in the seven countries it affected. Damage has been estimated at more than $53
billion and the lives of those who survived the storm have been forever changed. In addition, we must not fail to mention
Katrina in 2005, one of the deadliest, most expensive and most destructive
natural disasters in the history of the United States.
Natural disasters are no longer occasional
catastrophes, in far off countries that we only read about. They are common headlines consuming our daily
lives and all we can do is sit back, in frozen disbelief. Can it be that God has removed His hand of
protection to get our attention? Or possibly, is it a sign of the end times
that Jesus warns us about in Matthew 24:7-8 “Nation will rise against nation
and kingdom against kingdom. There will
be famines are earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of birth pains.”?
Whatever the reason, we must recognize the rapid decline
of our society and the urgency of God’s message. Reverend Billy Graham writes about our moral
condition in his book, “Storm Warning”. “I have not seen such widespread anxiety and
depression in people’s hearts as I do today…..The American dream has become
America’s god; wealth and abundance have become the measure of America’s
success.”
It is true that we have become too dependent on
our stuff. We must learn to rely more on God’s promises
and not on our own assets and abilities.
If we don’t, we will certainly fall short. John 15:55 says, “I am the vine; you are the
branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart
from me you can do nothing.” This
message could not be any clearer. Either
we depend on God or we fail completely; all or none.
Unfortunately, too many people are independently seeking
peace through self-help books, spiritual guides, meditation, and positive
thinking that focuses on creating our own destinies. While an optimistic attitude will make our
lives more enjoyable, it will not prevent the sufferings of this world that God
has intentionally allowed; nor can it offer us true peace. John 16:33 reminds us, “I have told you these
things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Today, the winds of change signify a more eminent
warning and a different type of freedom; one that comes only from God.
Vanessa
I highly recommend reading the book, “Storm Warning” by Reverend Billy
Graham. It gives an accurate account of
the storms we are facing today and the one’s yet to come. It will encourage you to consider your own salvation
and where you stand in the eyes of our precious Lord.
