Preface: The following Blog/Article is taken from Chapter 9 of our Book God’s Answer for America.

The Biblical Pattern: Three Ways

I seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. —Isaiah 26:9

When God’s verbal or written warnings are not heeded, then He will speak to us through our circumstances. Biblical history demonstrates ways God would continue to warn, even through progressive levels of judgment. He will use both natural and supernatural ways:

• Natural elements, such as fire, floods, wind, waves, earthquakes, lightning, and drought
• Animal kingdom, such as locusts, insects, frogs, and wild beasts
• The microscopic world, such as plagues and disease
• Mankind, such as enemy attacks, invasion, and captivity

Also in the supernatural realm, angels were used to both bring judgment and protect God’s people (Isa. 37:36; Ps. 91:11).

Now we will examine three of the primary ways God deals with nations when they have ignored His initial warnings. As we move through these you will begin to see a biblical pattern unfold, a pattern that one could easily say America has been experiencing.

Note: all three of these are seen in the “America, America!” prophecy because this is how God gets a nation’s attention. This chapter also sets a biblical precedent for what’s coming next (revealed in upcoming chapter 11).

1. Wealth and Economy Affected
With Israel when God’s warnings were ignored, He would negatively impact their economy by affecting their crops, water, and food supply, such as with‑ holding rain—leading to drought and sometimes even famine, as in Elijah’s day. God would also use other natural means, such as locusts, to destroy crops and more, on which their economy depended.

Example 1: In Joel 1–2 the nation was in great crisis as never before. God had sent an army of locusts and fires, leaving the land stripped bare and in economic woe. Their crops were ruined, fruit was withered, vineyards were dried up, and water was scarce.

Example 2: Solomon was forewarned of this kind of disaster by God: “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence. . . if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn [repent] from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:13–14).

These plainly show ways God can affect a nation’s produce and economy, by using such things as great pestilence, droughts, and fires. Is it a coincidence that America has had record droughts and historic wildfires these past several years, along with economic stress? This has included rising food prices, along with water supply shortages across the nation.

2. Natural Disasters
There are biblical accounts from Genesis to Revelation of God consistently using floods, fires, storms, hail, earthquakes, drought, famine, plagues, and more. God can control all these natural things for His purposes as both warnings and judgments. Again, the ten plagues upon Egypt are a classic example of the progressive warnings and judgments of God through natural means.

God’s control and uses of natural elements and weather
There are numerous scriptures showing God controls the weather and natural elements and uses them for His divine purposes. Here is one quoted scripture followed by other scripture references:

Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you. —Deuteronomy 11:16–17

Biblical accounts show God controls and uses:
• Lightning, hail, snow, wind, and clouds (Ps. 148:8)
• Stormy winds, sea, and waves (Jer. 10:13, Jon. 1:4)
• Whirlwinds and tornadoes (Nah. 1:3)
• Earthquakes and fires (Isa. 29:6)
• Rain, flooding, and great hailstones (Ezek. 13:9–13)
• Withhold and directing rain to certain cities (Amos 4:7–8)
• Drought and famine (Deut. 11:17)
• Plagues as judgment (Num. 16:46; 2 Sam. 24:15)

Note: Does Satan cause bad weather?
Some believe that only Satan causes destructive weather, often citing Job 1 and the storm Jesus rebuked; however, only those two accounts point to that possibility. On the other hand, there are numerous biblical accounts that both good or destructive weather (or natural disasters) came by God’s hand, not Satan.

Now, if it so happens that the kingdom of darkness does have the ability to influence weather, it is limited to when allowed by God. “For the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness” (Ps. 24:1). He controls it all. Also, keep in mind Jesus Christ (not Satan) holds all of creation and nature together (Col. 1:16–17).

God uses weather as both blessing and punishment
Does God really use weather as a form of reward and punishment? Yes. The blessing of rain for crops and water supply and the punishments of the worldwide flood in Noah’s day, great hail upon Egypt in Moses’ day, great hail in Revelation 16:21, and drought are examples of judgment or punishment. One other very specific scripture that reveals how God uses weather is in the book Job.

He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. He brings them to punish men, or to water his earth and show his love. —Job 37:11–13, niv, emphasis added

One more example:
You have polluted the land with your harlotries and your wickedness. Therefore the showers have been withheld, And there has been no latter rain. —Jeremiah 3:2–3

It is clear that sin negatively affects the land while righteousness opens up the door to bring both the favor and blessings of God (Prov. 14:34; Ps. 112).

Answering a Key Question about Natural Disasters:
Are All Natural Disasters Judgment of God?
Before we move forward we believe it is important to answer this question. It is very clear throughout Holy Scripture that God controls and uses natural elements for His divine purposes. However, as Christians we need to be careful not to pronounce every natural disaster as the judgment of God. Understanding the reasons for natural disasters today helps explains why.

Reasons for Natural Disasters
We believe there are three main reasons natural disasters come. In fact there could be a combination of the following working together depending on the situation.

1. Natural Cycles in a Fallen World Since the fall of man we have been living in a world affected by sin, a world God originally created as “very good” (Gen. 1:31). So there may be times when some natural disasters are part of the natural process of things shifting.

2. The Birth Pains (Not Global Warming or Climate Change) Shortly after the “America, America!” prophecy from 2007 came, Cindy was reading news of an earthquake taking place at the United Nations Summit where they were talking about fears of “global warming” impact. Then God spoke to her and said:

“They call it global warming, But know, these are My global warnings.”

At the time of this prophecy, “global warming” was the term used most; now we mostly hear of “climate change.” No matter what they call it, these things are all part of the birthing pains and natural disasters that will increase as Jesus prophesied (Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11, 25–26). These are not “global warming” (or “climate change”) but they are part of God’s “global warnings” as signs for these last days. These will continue to increase and shift as the return of Christ gets closer to birth a new age, His millennial reign. We also believe things will be happening and shifting in the days ahead that will cause scientists to be baffled.

Politicians claim we all need to work together to “battle climate change,” but there is nothing they can do to stop it. Like a woman in labor, the contractions will become more frequent and more intense the closer the new birth gets. So this is not about “climate change,” but the earth is instead preparing for a “kingdom change”—the coming glorious kingdom and reign of Christ on earth (Rev. 11:15).

3. God’s Prophetic Warnings or Judgments
When God in His mercy sends His prophets with a warning and redemptive message, it typically includes a call for repentance. This message may sometimes include warnings of natural disasters coming if not obeyed. These natural disasters can serve as a warning, a wakeup call, or a form of judgment, like Moses saw upon Egypt.

These kinds of natural disasters are often unusual or extraordinary in some way, including in size and impact. This often reveals its supernatural connection, if a prophetic warning has been spoken (as we will show later with Superstorm Sandy). This is exactly the case for America today.

God’s warning about multiplied natural disasters
In the 2007 “America, America!” prophecy, God said New Orleans (Hurricane Katrina in 2005) was a warning. He also said:

For I AM the God of all the earth. The wind and the sea at My command, they all obey Me! Natural disasters will be multiplied unto thee Because I have seen your sin and unrepentant heart.

Note: Days after this prophecy there began a dramatic increase in multiple and historic natural disasters in America, coming as warnings to get America’s attention, just as God said.

SEE VIDEO WE CAME ACROSS IN 2019 confirming the Multiplication of Storms.

 

America’s response so far
America’s response to God’s warnings so far has been unrepentant and defiant (or seemingly oblivious). One example is in the 2013 State of the Union speech. The president of the United States tried to explain away the increase in frequency and intensity of the droughts, wildfires, floods, and historic storms as the “overwhelming judgment of science”1 (e.g., climate change), rejecting any thought that God has anything to do with it.

The fact is that throughout most of human history when cites and nations experienced catastrophic disasters, they were usually considered the judgment of God (or perceived by pagans as one of their gods). This is one reason many refer to large-scale disasters as “of biblical proportions.”

Now, what if both economic woes and natural disasters sent as warning are ignored by a nation? How would God deal with a city or nation that continues to rebel against or ignore Him? As with Israel, God would often allow even more severe things to come, such as enemy attacks and war.

3. Enemy Attacks and War
God often used Israel’s enemies (more sinful than themselves) to attack and bring judgment (or punishment), such as the Philistines, Assyrians, and Babylonians. When God’s hand of protection was lifted from a city or nation, the enemies were allowed to attack or invade and bring destruction. Psalm 127:1 declares, “Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”

Biblical Example:
The following scripture shows a clear example of a nation (Israel) that persists in ignoring God’s warnings and mocking His messengers:

Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the Lord which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy. —2 Chronicles 36:14–16

This then led to the invasion by Babylon, and eventually seventy years in exile. God was not playing games!

Note how in the above scripture those in the position as spiritual leaders and priests (the gatekeepers) opened the door to great sin by defiling and destroying His house, which brought judgment upon the whole nation.

There are many biblical examples of enemy attacks being a part of God’s judgment upon nations. For America, many have wondered if 9/11 was the judgment of God.

Was 9/11 the judgment of God?
The attack on 9/11 was obviously a very shocking and heartbreaking time. Surely, we all remember where we were when we heard the news, especially when the second plane hit or when we watched the towers fall.

Soon after this a couple of prominent Christian leaders caused a great uproar when they implied the 9/11 attacks were the judgment of God. Yet in Bible days, even decades ago, such a significant disaster would be considered as the judgment of God (Amos 3:6).

Some say 9/11 was an inside job, as part of a plan to lessen our freedoms in the name of protection and progressively shift control of our nation towards a New World Order, etc. Regardless of how 9/11 came to be (terrorist attacks, conspiracy, or both), it was a wakeup call—a warning that something bad is happening to America because of her great sin.

In the “America, America!” prophecy, God said: “The Towers were just a warning.” God’s hand of protection was temporarily lifted (Ps. 127:1) and enemies were allowed to strike suddenly to awaken our nation. It was a warning, a sample of something much greater coming if America does not turn back to God in time. We share exactly what that greater judgment is in chapter 11, “What’s Coming Next, If. . .?” It is very important we understand the gravity of what America faces if she does not change course.

Question: “How could a loving God allow deadly disasters?” We answer this in “Does God Still Bring Judgment Today?” in appendix C.

America’s response to 9/11
After the shock and devastation of 9/11, the country responded by uniting in patriotic song and encouraging words. People filled our churches searching for answers, comfort, and help. We even saw members of Congress from both parties standing together on the capitol steps in a heartfelt song of “God Bless America.”

All this was very moving to see and hear; but one thing was missing—there was no genuine repentance. The many patriotic songs and speeches invoking the name of God rang hollow because: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matt. 15:8, NIV).

There was no national public acknowledgement that this horrific event could possibly be a wakeup call from God after decades of great sin and progressively removing Him from our society. To some it was unthinkable, because how could such a loving God allow this to happen? It comes back to the fact that most in the church have painted a shallow view of God. The pulpits of America have not adequately communicated the fullness and justice of God—both the goodness and severity of God or the devastating effects of sin.

So sadly, after 9/11 there was no genuine repentance or turning back to God and His ways. And before long churches were back to pre 9/11 levels and most everyone was back to business as usual. But America would never be the same again.

Generally, enemy attacks and war are a last resort God uses to warn or bring judgment because they can be very terrifying and devastating. But sometimes God will allow a limited enemy attack first as a wakeup call, as 9/11 was for America.

Again, we must remember, God does not delight in the death of the wicked or the destruction of sinful nations but wants them to turn from their sin and evil ways and back to Him (Ezek. 33:11). This is one reason why God in His great mercy often brings His warnings and judgments progressively to allow time for repentance before greater judgment comes (Rom. 2:4–5). For God delights in mercy; He wants to bring life and not death, blessing and not a curse. But we must choose His path, which leads to life.

God’s Mercy: Progressive Warnings and Judgments
It is actually because of God’ great mercy that His warnings and judgments often happen over a span of years. Mistakenly, many in our hi-tech, instant minded society completely disregard these warnings and even mock them if they don’t see them carried out within a short period of time.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding fine.”2 God may seem slow in responding to great sin and injustice; but when He does, you can be sure His judgment is thorough and complete.

Biblical Example: All “three ways” in operation to get a nation’s attention
In the prophets Amos and Hosea’s time, Northern Israel had become prosperous but also very corrupt and filled with injustice, pride, perversion, and drunkenness and very idolatrous. They worshipped the sun god and fertility god, which included mass temple prostitution as a form of worship.

Amos 4:6–12 demonstrates how God brought progressive warnings and judgments with a call to turn them back to Him every step of the way.
1. Food shortage with hunger in all their cities “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ Says the Lord” (v. 6).
2. Fresh water shortage by withholding rain on certain cities “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ Says the Lord” (vv. 7–8).
3. Blight, mildew, and locusts destroyed crops “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ Says the Lord” (v. 9).
4. Plagues of Egypt upon the people “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ Says the Lord” (v. 10).
5. Enemy attacks and war “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ Says the Lord” (v. 10).
6. Fires destroying cities like Sodom and Gomorrah “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ Says the Lord” (v. 11).
7. Then came a massive earthquake (Amos 1:1)
8. Then eventually came enemy invasion and exile (Amos 5:27; Hosea 8–10)

In this we see the biblical pattern in operation—God using all three ways progressively to get the nation’s attention: economy affected (crops destroyed, plus lack of food and water), natural disasters (drought, fires, plagues, earth‑ quake), and the enemy attacks and war, then invasion and exile. America is on the very same path today.

Genuine repentance will lead to mercy During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, in his National Day of Prayer Proclamation, declared: “Genuine repentance will lead to mercy.” This is really important to understand, because crying out for mercy alone does not deal with the sin or the effects of sin, rather it delays and heaps up a greater judgment for later.

Jonathan Edwards, who helped begin the First Great Awakening, said it this way: The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present. They increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given, and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty its course, when once it is let loose.4 This is what America is facing, and only genuine repentance will bring for‑ giveness of sin and turn away God’s great wrath and judgment. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. —Joel 2:13, NIV.

What would you do if you were God? Now, we ask you to really think about this. Put yourself in God’s place for just a moment. What would you do if a people or a nation you loved were progressing into great sin that you knew was going to end up destroying them both now and into eternity. If you foresaw the destructive effects of sin spreading like a disease causing much pain and suffering to families, children, and the nation; what would you do?

How would you speak to them and warn them? Likewise, what else could God do to get a nation’s attention, short of split‑ ting the sky and speaking with an audible voice? In Review We shared the way God deals with nations and a biblical pattern of how God works to get a nation’s attention. He will first use written or verbal warnings; but if these are ignored, then He will progressively use natural means we can see and hear which usually include:
1. Affecting the wealth and economy
2. Natural disasters (usually extraordinary ones)
3. Enemy attacks and war.

Note: You can also see how this has played out before in American history; see appendix B, “A Classic Example from Early America.” Again, we want to remind everyone that the economic woes, great natural disasters, and enemy attacks and war are not God’s perfect will. God desires that we first heed His written Word (the Holy Bible) and His prophets who come to warn us motivated out of love.

God’s Word instructs us to “believe His prophets, and you shall prosper” (2 Chron. 20:20).

We pray this chapter has been insightful and helped answer some important questions many have had. This section is also important because it provides the biblical basis and pattern we are seeing unfold in relation to what God

Darrel & Cindy deVille
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