The Pause Before the Storm

God’s Wake-Up Call to the Church

Introduction – God’s Hand in the Times We Live In

• Last several years may have been a divinely timed pause — not just politics.
• Daniel 2:21 – God removes and sets up kings.
• Psalm 75:7 – God lifts one up, puts another down.
• Not about idolizing a man — only Jesus saves.
• Point: Recognize when God’s fingerprints are on history.

1. God’s Pattern – Using the Unlikely

• Cyrus – Isaiah 45:1; Ezra 1:1–2 – Pagan king, “My anointed,” rebuilt temple.
• Nebuchadnezzar – Jeremiah 27:6; Daniel 4:17 – Pagan king, “My servant,” used to discipline Israel.
• Balaam – Numbers 22:28 – Greedy prophet, God used a donkey to speak truth.
• Pilate – John 19:11 – Authority given from above, played role in God’s plan.
• Point: God doesn’t require moral perfection to fulfill His purposes.

2. A Modern “Cyrus Moment”

• 2018 – Trump moves U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
• Psalm 122:6 – Pray for peace of Jerusalem.
• Zechariah 12:3 – Jerusalem, heavy stone for nations.
• Isaiah 45:4 – God calls Cyrus by name for Israel’s sake.
• Point: Not politics — providence. God’s promises to Israel stand.

3. The Trumpet Effect

• Trump’s name parallels biblical trumpets:
  1. Warning – Ezekiel 33:3–4.
  2. Calling God’s people – Numbers 10:3.
  3. Marking spiritual shifts – Joshua 6:20.
  4. Final trumpet – 1 Corinthians 15:52.
• Trumpet moments demand a response.
• Question: Did we wake up, or hit snooze?

4. The Pause Before the Storm (Core Point)

• Many believe Trump’s presidency was a grace window.
• John 9:4 – Work while it is day; night is coming.
• Ephesians 5:15–16 – Make the best use of the time.
• Purpose of the pause:
  1. Wake church from complacency.
  2. Preach boldly while free.
  3. Strengthen faith before trials.
• Grace windows close — wasted time cannot be reclaimed.

5. The Current Clash – Morality on Trial

• Acceleration of rebellion:
  • Abortion – Prov 6:17; Ps 139:13–16.
  • Wokeness – Isa 59:14.
  • Homosexuality/gender confusion – Gen 1:27; Rom 1:26–27.
  • Entitlement – 2 Thess 3:10.
  • Criminality – Isa 59:7.
• Isaiah 5:20 – Woe to those who call evil good.
• God is forcing moral lines into the open — middle ground is disappearing.

6. The Sobering Reality

• The pause may be over.
• Matthew 24:12 – Lawlessness increases, love grows cold.
• Isa 59:14 – Truth fallen in the streets.
• If we wasted the pause:
  • Arguing instead of preaching.
  • Comfort over courage.
  • News over Christ’s return.
• Hebrews 12:26–27 – God shakes to remove the shakable.

7. Closing Challenge – Stay Awake

• God is sovereign over history — Ps 103:19.
• Romans 13:11 – Wake from sleep, salvation nearer now.
• Fix eyes on God, not the instrument He uses.
• Acts 17:26 – You’re here now for a reason.
• The clock is ticking. The trumpet is sounding.
• Questions:
  • Are you awake?
  • Are you watching, praying, speaking truth?
  • Or will you be caught drifting when the night falls?

Full Sermon