DEFINING MOMENTS

© Morris Ruddick

Defining moments. Defining moments that come upon us suddenly.

These defining moments impact us as individuals, as families, as communities of people, as nations. Defining moments challenge who we are and what we are about. Abrupt turning points; resulting in our never again being quite the same.

October 24, 1996 was for my family one of those defining moments. Our 30 year old daughter was brutally murdered. It marked a transition in time that challenged our walk with the Lord and everything we stood for. In retrospect, the trauma and pain of her loss and the surrounding circumstances drew us more closely into the Lord than we had ever been before. It simultaneously became a turning point and a gateway. What unfolded for us hinged on the choice of our response -- which was greatly tempered by the prayers and compassion of a handful of God's saints. It became for me, a paradigm shift second only to my salvation experience.

September 11, 2001 was a defining moment for multitudes across this nation. A rude, shocking awakening that redefined our national consciousness and focus of reality. It was a defining moment that suddenly awakened those on the fringes -- and beyond, to our need for the Lord. It was a shaking not unlike that which this nation experienced on December 7, 1941 with the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Soon after the murder of our daughter, the Lord spoke to me very clearly and let me know that there are instances in this life in which the answers are simply beyond us. Situations in which we cannot afford to play the "how come," "if only" or "what if" mind-games. The same wisdom applies for a tragedy such as happened on September 11th. The temptation to speculate, become overly introspective or to point the finger in an attempt to come up with a simplistic answer to "why" will only be counterproductive to the positives already being released from this horrible shaking.

Times of tragedy require something more. A great deal more. These are times -- especially for Believers -- to reach out with God's heart. I will always remember those who responded in compassion to the loss of our daughter. And there were other well-meaning ones who simply didn't have a clue. But a special bonding took place with those who extended God's love and hope -- those whose compassion made it clear that they really were praying.

September 11, 2001 was also a defining moment for the Body. It was a major paradigm shift. And the jury is still out on our response. In the midst of the solidarity, the sacrifice, the outpouring of compassion and assistance from across this nation and around the world, I pray that the world will see the true compassion of Jesus from those of us who are called by His Name.
PRAYING AND EXTENDING GOD'S HEART AND LOVE Many, many -- are looking for answers in the aftermath of the September 11th attack. Many have been truly awakened spiritually -- this should not be a surprise -- for many others have been praying for just that. Those who have been awakened are looking for something lasting. That "something lasting" will only come through the prayers and genuine compassion of those called as His ambassadors.

Over time, a season marked by tragedy has the potential of becoming a catalyst for something meaningful and enduring. These are times for the mobilization of God's ambassadors of hope and compassion. These are times for there to be a groundswell of those who are faithfully praying.

September 11th began as any other day. And then -- suddenly: there was the shock and sense of alarm. My wife and I were close by -- only a last-minute decision to drop by a friend's business in the Washington DC area kept us from being adjacent to the scene of the Washington tragedy on that terrible day. We arrived at my friend's office and were confronted with the question of "did you hear what JUST happened?" We then went to a conference room where we watched in horror the second tower of the World Trade Center being hit, followed by the strike on the Pentagon and the collapse of the twin towers.

The morning after this shocking day, I awakened early with a cognizance of what might be described as shifting plates -- such as move under the face of the earth in subtle ways to cause an earthquake. My perception was that what took place on September 11th was a preliminary shift before a bigger quake. As I prayed through the intensity of that burden -- pondering what it might be that would come next, and praying that it wouldn't -- I was faced with the question of whether we who are praying are giving focus in the right areas. This event was air security-oriented. That's the focus now. There's no question that it should be. But not with a blind eye to the big picture. While individual terrorist cells are compartmentalized to hide one another; they are also designed to mask the focus of what comes next.

But, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. For those called as intercessors, it is a time unlike any we've seen in recent days to pray with an awareness of the paradigm shifts underway. We need to be "seeing" the right things. And we need to have clarity in understanding the times, while knowing what to do.

DEFINING MOMENTS AND PARADIGM SHIFTS

Defining moments. Moments in history that result in a significant shift in focus. A change in the way a given group of people perceive and respond. September 11, 2001 was a defining moment for not just this nation, but the free world. A defining moment for those whose beliefs in the Lord are according to a Judeo-Christian heritage. A defining moment for members of the Body. A defining moment for the pivotal developments surrounding Israel and the Jewish people. An awakening and a point in time in which things will never be the same.

A momentous, global paradigm shift has taken place. A paradigm shift with ramifications far beyond the region or nation impacted by these terrible acts.

PRAYING TO AWAKEN THE SLEEPING GIANT

My initial prayer as I witnessed the live coverage of the events of September 11th was that the Lord would use this horrific event, in the same way that happened after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, to awaken the "sleeping giant" resident within the free world.

Awaken those within the Church who have been sleeping. Awaken the spiritually dead to new life. Awaken Believers everywhere to their roles as instruments of God's purpose -- in praying; in extending God's hand of compassion; in genuinely serving as ambassadors of hope. Awaken and mobilize those who love God to a realistic understanding of the times, and a "knowing" of what to do.

ELEMENTS OF DEFINING MOMENTS

The acts of terrorism of September 11th happened suddenly. But don't overlook that WHAT THE LORD CAN AND WILL DO in the midst of chaos, confusion and major reversals -- will also happen suddenly.

In 2 Samuel 17, David was usurped and betrayed by his own son Absalon. Absalon's conspiracy against his father was gaining momentum and David and his followers were caught flat-footed and had to flee. The scriptures tell us that there was great sadness as the people watched David and his followers pass by. The journey began with David weeping, his head covered in repentance. Then he stopped -- to worship the Lord. That was significant. Yet, soon afterward David was taunted and mocked by a relative from Saul's household. David's response was to tell his men to leave him alone and do nothing. But the significant thing was that early in this crisis, David stopped and worshipped the Lord.

During the flight, a strategic decision was made for one of David's most trusted advisors, Hushai, to return to Jerusalem to serve David -- within the ranks of Absalon's inner circle. And Absalon embraced Hushai's counsel. While the entire army of Israel was being mobilized against David, word of Absalon's plans was sent to David.

Receipt of this word, coincided with David arriving in the friendly territory of Mahanaim -- where he was greeted, accepted, cared for -- and refreshed.

Then something happened. Something happened to David. It was time to stop running. It was time to arise to the occasion. It was the turning point of this defining moment for David. David was God's anointed. Although the exit from Jerusalem seemed marked with a resignation to the circumstance, David now began responding with the kingly anointing God had endowed him with. In the first verse of 2 Samuel 18, we are told, "David now appointed generals and captains to lead his troops."

Absalon was mobilizing the troops of Israel against David. But David was taking his stand against the unholy alliance that had amassed against him. He was confronting the evil. Those representing his inner circle knew what to do. The steps to the outcome were not easy ones for David. But the tentacles of the unholy alliance that had arisen, began being severed.

In rereading and pondering this very pivotal episode in David's life, I was struck by a number of key things. When Absalon's plan to usurp the throne initially began to unfold and David had to flee; David did so with a cloak of humility and a spirit of repentance. Circumstances operating against David had come about very quickly. But David's heart was very much fixed on the Lord and he took the time to seek the Lord.

But there was also a suddenness with which things began to turn in David's favor. The time for introspection was over. It was time to act and time for David to rise to his calling.

Then, I was struck with the critical role of David's supporters and his inner circle in the outcome. His supporters from Mahanaim refreshed him in a way needed for a timely response to the situation. It should be noted that Mahanaim was also where Jacob encountered God and experienced a turning point in a significant defining moment in his life -- prior to facing his brother Esau. Mahanaim, for David, was where he was strengthened in the Lord for what lay ahead of him. It was there that the pivotal decisions were made that resulted in the restoration of the Kingdom to God's anointed. And it all happened very quickly.

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES AND THE PARADIGM SHIFT

So what does all this have to do with September 11th? It involves bringing the Lord to forefront in a crisis and responding with wisdom. It involves seeing things from God's perspective. It involves embracing what I refer to as the Issachar context -- in understanding the times and knowing what to do.

Seeing things from God's perspective? A very interesting little book was released a little over a year ago. It is entitled "The Prayer of Jabez." It's a Christian book, with a good message on praying and believing God to be able to use you. Almost six million copies of that book have been sold in the last year. That's a number one best seller! And it's being sold in every major secular book chain. My wife bought her copy in an airport. The incredible sale of this little book is an indication of the spiritual hunger arising within this nation. The sale of "The Prayer of Jabez," in my mind is also a strong reflection of the amassing of the growing volume of prayers of the saints.

Also -- in the aftermath of September 11th -- in almost a moment in time -- there was a major shift in what was considered "politically correct." Even the members of the media elite were entering a new paradigm and talking about their personal response of prayer to the tragedies of that day.

I also recall earlier this year visiting with a friend and business associate in Israel -- not long after the start of the incredulous Intifada. Issues that had seemed irrelevant only months prior had suddenly become pertinent. From my perspective, I saw a galvanizing and coming together of Israeli Jews -- probably unlike any time since Israel's War for Independence.

Then only one week before September 11th, the Jerusalem Post carried a piece that had a message that said we have tried everything else -- it is time for us to pray. This article also pointed to the growth of the evil bent on destroying not only Israel, but all within the Judeo-Christian tradition.

What has been unfolding -- from God's perspective -- is a very significant paradigm shift.

Indeed, a major shift in the paradigm took place on September 11. The attack on that day was a shocking, devastating event. But while it took place suddenly, it did not catch the Lord by surprise. And emerging from it, just as suddenly, I see the answers to the prayers of those who have been crying out for revival. The answers to the prayers of those beseeching God's throne of grace for His Kingdom to be made manifest in the fabric of society.

The answers to the prayers of those asking for the unmasking of evil that has been undermining the values and standards of righteousness that once were the standard of much of the free world. And let there be no question about it. The evil unmasked is committed to nothing short of the destruction of Christians and Jews -- those who are known by His name. Those whose way of life is reflective of the Judeo-Christian heritage.

What I see emerging are the answers to the prayers of those crying out to see the power of God released from the confines of local congregations and into the marketplace. The answers to the cries of those yearning to see the modern-day Josephs and Daniels mobilized. The answers to the prayers of those longing for Jewish revival.

And beyond the tragedy of September 11, 2001 -- a paradigm shift has been taking place in the heavenlies -- in answer to the prayers of those who have been interceding according to God's heart.

NEW REALITIES AND NEW WINE-SKINS

But the course before us involves a fine line. As I already noted, the jury is still out on the response of the Body. In a day in time, multitudes have been spiritually awakened and are looking for answers and something lasting. We are indeed at a pivot point of this defining moment. Whether something genuinely lasting emerges from this tragedy will hinge on the prayers and compassion of those of us called by His Name.

The opportunity before us is going to require more prayer than ever before. It is a time to be sharpening our diligence in seeking the Lord. It is a time to be walking by faith and not by sight. It is a time to be reaching out and be God's ambassadors of hope with the answers and solutions people are seeking.

Maintaining the fine line will be critical. With the paradigm shift will come changes in the assumptions driving our modus-operandi. More-of-the-same-harder in our approach may not always be relevant. New wine-skins in approach will emerge as we discern more keenly the needs of those we are called to serve. But prayer and compassion will always prove to be foundational. Spiritually-speaking there are mine fields to traverse. Decisions and actions will require care given to insuring they are made in the right way and with great wisdom.

We are in the midst of a serious spiritual battle. We are in the midst of incredible, fast-moving change. Every member of the Body needs to be daily actively engaged in praying and seeking the Lord. We need to be immersed in God's Word. We need to be spiritually alert. And we need to be interceding - standing in the gap for the forces of good, as the Lord God Almighty releases His people and His authority and His power in the accomplishment of His agendas for this day. Let us proceed with the attitude of King David, who once described himself as being "weak though anointed king."

Let us be faithful in interceding and standing in the gap for our leaders and those in authority. Let us recognize those we are to serve -- be they kings or neighbors. We are each called as His emissaries. As we serve, may we be seen as a support and asset -- as genuine ambassadors should be accepted and received. We are called to be the head and not the tail. It is during times like this, times of discontinuity and upset, that people are looking for lasting answers and solutions. And God's people need to be at the forefront of what is unfolding, with BOTH practical and spiritual answers and solutions. Not judgments and callous pronouncements. But practical and spiritual answers and solutions that meet practical needs while ministering, healing and opening hearts.

May we operate with His compassion -- and with His wisdom, authority and power. May we have the wisdom to recognize and stand alongside those being used as modern-day Cyruses -- those in seats of power God has chosen to be used in the accomplishment of His redemptive purposes for this hour. Let us take on our mantle afresh. And as we press in and stand in the gap and approach His throne of grace, let us not grow weary in well doing, nor become faint of heart. Let us rise to the occasion and enter His flow. Let us proceed with our hearts clearly focused on the Lord.

Defining moments. Defining moments that result in an awakening of the sleeping giant -- reflected by the principle that "righteousness exalts a nation." Defining moments that mark the time in which God arises in our midst. Defining moments that come upon us suddenly. May God be with us to respond as His ambassadors and instruments of His purpose. May God help us.

PRAYER

Father God, we come to You in the incomparable Name of Jesus. Lord, we recognize that apart from You, we can do nothing. Lord, we affirm the truth of Your Word, that it is not by might, nor by power, but by Your Spirit. Lord, on the one hand we are overwhelmed by all that has taken place. But on the other, we KNOW that it is in our weakness that Your strength is manifested.
Blessed be Your Name, Lord God Almighty. For wisdom and might are Yours and You know the times and seasons. You remove and raise up kings. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. You know what is in the darkness -- and light shines through You.

Lord, in the midst of the horrors and tragedy of this last week, we ask that you would bring about a great awakening. An spiritual awakening that will last. An awakening within this nation, that still holds to the motto of being "one nation, under God." An awakening across the globe among those whose hearts are inclined toward You and toward Your people. An awakening within the Body, to pray - to reach out - and to serve.

Lord, we who are known by Your Name repent. Lord, we haven't prayed as we should. We've been active, but isolated. We've served, but with far too much selfish ambition. We need to serve better and to do so unselfishly and unconditionally. We need to serve without the need for recognition, credit or ownership. We need to come together more Lord. We need to wake up from the momentum of our own agendas, and better understand the times -- and know what to do. O God, how we need to better understand what You would have us to do. Lord, we need to enter more fully into that flow of Your Spirit. We each, like sheep have gone our own way -- and we have all fallen short. But Lord, Your Word tells us that You have laid our iniquities upon Him You sent as Messiah. Messiah Jesus.

Adonai, help us. Align our hearts. Reposition our priorities and activities. Bring us into a oneness with You and with each other to a degree unlike anything we've ever before known. Give us Your heart for those around us Lord. Show us afresh how to reach out. And give us your love and wisdom -- that both our words and actions might bring honor to Your Name. Lord, as we cry out to be instruments of Your love and wisdom, grant us the cloak of humility -- and may we also be entrusted as instruments of Your power.

Lord we pray for those who have lost dear ones through this tragedy. For those who have been injured and traumatized. Comfort and heal them. Manifest yourself to them. For those that don't know You, send laborers we pray. Lord, we pray for the many who have arisen in such heroic, compassionate, self-sacrificing and generous ways during the midst of all this -- for the many unsung heroes. Father, help us each to operate according to these standards, and let not the fervency and compassion being demonstrated across this land wane. Let us not grow weary in well doing. And Lord, when all is said and done, may we who are called by Your Name be found to measure up to these standards.

Lord, we are in the midst of incredible change. May we be alert and aware. Help us to recognize and respond from Your perspective. Bring us together. Give us a fresh vision for operating in unity -- not only as Your Body, but with those in the communities we're called to serve. Give us the focus we need. God, in Your mercy, give us ears to hear and the faithfulness to pray -- that we might anticipate and avert the intentions of the evil one. Lord, deliver us from spiritual arrogance and give us a heart to serve.

And Lord, those of us who are called by Your Name -- may we humble ourselves. May we genuinely pray and seek Your face. Grant us the grace to stand in the gap on behalf of our nation. Lord give us the type of heart to intercede that Moses had (Exodus 32:31) -- as he stood in the gap and confessed the sin of the Israelites. As he asked for Your forgiveness, but with this caveat: "Yet now, if You will forgive their sin; but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written." Give us a heart like Paul had in praying for the Jewish people -- in being willing to be accursed and cut off from the Lord, if somehow that might mean that his own people would be saved (Romans 9:3). Lord, we know that Jesus has indeed already paid that price. But we need the type of fervency of heart reflected by the intercessions of Moses and Paul - each of us in standing in the gap for our own people and in standing in the gap for Your chosen, the Jews.

Lord, we pray for our leaders and those in authority over us. Your Word tells us that the heart of the King is in Your hands. Guide them with Your eye. Lord, we pray for those representing the inner circle of our leaders, those who are their closest advisors. God, grant them the wisdom of Your perspective and Your approach and sense of timing -- on what to do and what not to do. Lord, may the event of September 11th result in bringing us together in unity. May we be galvanized and begin operating genuinely as one-nation under God. Let lasting revival come forth -- and may those who embrace the Judeo-Christian heritage become known as those who seek the Lord and who pray. And whose prayers make a difference.

Lord, Your Word tells us that the wisdom of the wise should be heard over the shout of fools. Let that be so Lord. Strange voices have arisen and come to forefront in past years. But Lord, in the same way that you closed the mouths of lions in the days of Daniel, we ask You to silence the foolishness of fools.

Give us fresh mind-sets Lord. Mind-sets based on Your perspective on things. Help us to be contemporaneous in responding -- as Your ambassadors -- to the needs of those You connect us with. Give us genuine, listening hearts. Let us walk according to the wisdom outlined by the Psalmist in walking not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor sitting in the seat of the scornful, nor standing in the way of sinners. Let us pray according to the wisdom of the prayer of Jabez: to ask for Your blessing that we might be a blessing; that You might enlarge our territory and opportunities to serve You; that Your hand might be strongly upon us in guiding us; and that You would keep us from evil.

Lord God Almighty, we pray as in times of old, that You would arise in our midst. Your Word tells us, that You are near and that we will tell of your mighty miracles -- that when the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, You are the One Who keeps its foundations firm. You are the One Who cuts off the strength of the wicked and increases the power of the godly. Let it be so, O Lord. Let the turning to You we've been seeing come forth in fullness.

Lord, You are awesome and worthy of our praise. You indeed soar on the wings of the wind. Out of the brightness of Your presence bolts of lightning blaze forth. May You thunder from heaven; may the voice of the Most High resound. Scatter our enemies, rout them with bolts of lightning. Reach from on high and take hold of us; draw us out of deep waters and rescue us, we pray. And as You do, we humbly ask that You might mobilize and orient us. Direct and use us in the effective accomplishment of Your purposes and agendas for this hour.