By James Wilson
It began with a sense in the heart of many Californians and West Coasters of other states that the drought in which we are mired is of supernatural origin. Where would we get such an idea?
We knew the drought was the product of a natural phenomenon displaying unnatural staying power. We knew as well that our states have abused the gifts God gave in the establishing of our states and we have likewise abused the people with whom He peopled them. We knew just as well that the Word of God states plainly (2 Chronicles 7:13-14) when the Heavens are shut up from releasing rain it is a deliberate divine act – not to punish but to gain our attention. When we respond to that act by humbling ourselves, praying, and seeking His face – and turning from our evil ways – He will release the life giving rain along with His own life giving reign.
Many deride the conclusion that the drought is a statement of God’s distress over human behavior along the West Coast; when Assembly Member Shannon Grove attributed the drought to God there were loud calls her resignation due to mental instability. I hear the same drivel. But when a thing looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and waddles like…
Last year Ginny Caligiuri received a prophetic word and contacted her state’s governor. He declared a day of repentance for Iowa and several governors followed suit. The Lord gave me a vision – inspired by Ginny – for a California Day of Repentance. Although I approached our governor – he blew me off – I always believed God’s call was for a grassroots event; approaching the governor was just protocol. (We met on an airplane.) After speaking of my vision on visits to multiple western state capitols I was invited back to Olympia, Washington, last June to pray and plan for what became the Trifecta of Repentance and ultimately included California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska in a rolling series of solemn assemblies. The Lord revealed portions of His plans over several months; each leader contributed concepts and creative applications throughout the fifty-two days of fasting and prayer that preceded the Trifecta this past week. As the concept grew in scope and execution it became increasingly clear how utterly the leaders stood on each others’ shoulders.
This is the way Nehemiah led the rebuilding of the Jerusalem city wall in the book bearing his name; his revelation was a touchstone for this whole process from the beginning. No step was thought to be the end of the process, including the moment the wall was declared completed. Still to come was the restoration of the Temple itself, the reading of the Law by the prophetic priest Ezra, and the ongoing efforts of the people to live out what they had heard and built. The wall was only the beginning.
When the rolling days arrived each built on itself. There was worship and integration of the tribes represented in the praise and worship rally from Noon to three in the California Capitol. I was privilege to preach on the nature and privilege of repentance in that meeting and in the one to follow – the Solemn Assembly from three to five. There were prophetic acts of reconciliation in that later meeting between immigrant representatives – read white European types – and Native Americans, Blacks, and Hispanics. There was deep repentance over the historic sins of shedding innocent blood, covenant breaking, sexual sin, and idolatry. The Lord’s Supper was served and partaken as a kind of commitment service at both meetings.
In Salem, Oregon, the meetings were characterized by worship led by immigrants and First Nations drummers in succession, more teaching about repentance, and shared forgiveness. In Washington there was break-loose worship, recognition of leaders, extended honoring of the Lord and one another, and more break-loose worship. The Presence of the Spirit increased and intensified in each new location as a cumulative effect of the welcome received. I was not present for the meetings in BC and Alaska but their leaders confirm the pattern continued.
Has the drought ended this past week? Not to my knowledge. We did not perform or expect magic. We began and continued a process of trusting the Lord and His promises instead of our own stuff. But it is fascinating that the day after Alaska completed the fifth and final solemn assembly it began to rain in California.
Well its kinda what He said to do. And He promised we would have no cause to regret our obedience. It looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and waddles like a…
James A. Wilson is the author of Living As Ambassadors of Relationships and The Holy Spirit and the End Times – available at local bookstores or by e-mailing him at
praynorthstate@charter.net
