The Eye of the Storm

September 17, 2008 #629 / By Ralph E. McIntosh /ralph@actsfoundation.com

Hurricanes are common this time of year. Weather men tell us that the best way to determine the direction and strength of the storm is to fly through it from one side to the other, right through “the eye.”

Spiritual storms are not much different. The power of God is out front and the flurry of criticism is right behind. But there is peace in the center. Finding the direction of God is best found by flying through the middle, not by riding the tail of the skeptics who would try to analyze instead of visualize or experience. Long distance observation is faulty at best. Susan and I feel privileged to have experienced first-hand the current “storm” of Revival in Lakeland for over a month! For ten years we have been “reporting” on moves of God on several continents. I can tell you that, in spite of the recent sad events of Todd Bentley’s step-down, God has been in the Florida Outpouring and still is. The original hosts, Ignited Church and its pastors, are dedicated to humbly serving the thousands who are hungry for God. The hundreds and hundreds of pastors and believers who keep coming to partake are still humbly taking home a new Fire and a genuine desire to deliver the excitement and power of God to friends and fellowships back home. Some have made repeated trips back to the Outpouring. Churches have sent delegations.

We have met wonderful people from Finland, South Africa, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, England, Scotland and many more. At times we have participated in “hand-to-hand combat” with the enemy when he did not want victory to come to some who came seeking both physical and mental healing. And contrary to the mistaken notion that Satan can’t bother a Christian, we have personally ministered deliverance on about ten believers who manifested demonic oppression and have gone home free. God is still healing the sick and setting captives FREE.

Following one meeting we prayed for a family who sold their possessions, rented a car and drove from Georgia to get healing for the father, Mike. He had a bad back from a fall and lumps all over his head from a genetic malady. Mike said to us, “You don’t understand, I can’t go home without a healing!” Thank the Lord that with prayer, at 1:00 am after an evening meeting, God used us to bring healing to Mike and his family. He is working again and the lumps are gone and the family is now preparing to go out as missionaries!

The wonderful fact is that God’s move is never for one town or city. It may start in one place, but His is not a secret society! God so loved the world…John 3:16. God is pouring His Spirit out in many cities worldwide. Susan and I have been also blessed by the Outpouring in Hawaii and we recently heard testimony of what God is doing in Argentina and in England. Welcome His Outpouring in your city!


His Eye

Safe inside of His Storm’s Eye,
All His forces swirl, defy.
Nothing stands against His Hand.
As it moves across the land.

True deliverance is His plan.
Awesome freedom for each man.
Let His Spirit blow through you,
Clearing out the old for new.

© Ralph E. McIntosh
August 2008, Lakeland, Florida