We in Florida have survived Hurricane Charley, Frances, and now we are waiting for Ivan. All of this makes us wonder what is happening in the spirit realm. A friend forwarded to us the following message that Francis Frangipane had sent out to his prayer list.

While we do not know Francis Frangipane personally we did find his message aprropriate, interesting and timely. It was also encouraging, as he brings out what is happening in Florida should be seen as birth pangs of "a great spiritual awakening which will occur statewide in this significant region," and not a harbinger of the tribulation.

Another massive storm, this one called Ivan, is heading toward Florida. At the time of this writing, Ivan is a major category five hurricane with sustained winds of 160 mph. At its current size and velocity, the devastation this storm is capable of is unbelievable: picture a 90 mile wide tornado. So, again, we are issuing an emergency call to prayer for Florida, as well as for the islands of the Caribbean.

For those who wonder why these repeated storms are occurring, it is my sense that, simply, the Holy Spirit wants us to pray for Florida. For years I have believed and taught that a great spiritual awakening will occur statewide in this significant region. (This is one of the reasons my wife and I have purchased a second home in Florida).

However, Satan also can anticipate where and when the Lord desires to manifest Himself. Yet, Satan does not have the capacity to know precisely whom the Lord will use or how God's will shall unfold. Thus, while the devil sensed the importance of the region and time of Moses' birth, and then again with our Lord Jesus, he could not pinpoint the exact place or individual. The evil one was forced to manipulate corrupt rulers who in turn slaughtered thousands of children.

Remember also that the Bible calls Satan "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph 2:2). When Jesus faced a storm that was, perhaps, demonically empowered, He "rebuked the wind and the sea and it became perfectly calm" (Matt 8:26). Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also" (Jn 14:12). Again, the Holy Spirit is Himself "like the wind," and when Pentecost occurred the Lord manifested Himself, not only with tongues of fire, but like a mighty wind.

When hurricane Frances came knocking, it was a category four storm. Then each of you, together with millions of others prayed, and Frances stalled and diminished to a category two storm. It was supposed to creep across the state, yet its speed more than doubled, again reducing by more than half the possible destruction. For all the devastation Frances wrought, it could have been much, much worse. We can thank God that it was partially restrained.

So, again, it is time to war. Some of you will pray directly to God for deliverance while others will not only pray, but will also speak to the storm itself. A number will find a boldness to confront the powers of hell that may be the source of this storm, while still others will stand before God in repentance for the sins of Florida. Let each person do as they are led and according to the faith given them by God. From the Father's view, it will be harmonious and effective.

Finally, remember the word the Lord gave us in January. "The constrictions experienced by this age are not death throes, but birth pangs; they are not part of what restricts us, but releases us." Let's stand as mature, Christlike disciples who are armed with the character and authority of our Lord.

Francis Frangipane