In 1999, while in intercession for revival in Arizona, I had a vision of a map of the southwestern region of the United States. Three major cities on the map were highlighted—Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix. In the vision, one line was drawn from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and another from Los Angeles to Phoenix.
Over time the Lord began to show me "things to come" for the Southwest that would profoundly impact our nation. In a nutshell, He revealed to me that certain environmental and economic judgments would be reaped in the Los Angeles area, resulting in a mass exodus from southern California. Many of the distraught would migrate to Las Vegas in search of fortune, and others would go to Phoenix in search of a new beginning. During the last 10 years since I had this vision, thousands have relocated from southern California to the greater Phoenix region due to economic distress and the threat of earthquakes.
Although the "big one" has not yet struck the southern California coast, recent earthquakes that have devastated Haiti, Chile and other countries along the "ring of fire" have set off an alarm in my spirit. I am greatly encouraged by the reports I have received that the earthquake in Haiti produced profound repentance among the leaders and people of that nation. The Haitians' response brings to mind Isaiah 26:9: "When your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness" (NKJV). Nevertheless, prophetic foresight and a call to repentance prior to the earthquake would have diminished the devastation and loss of life in Haiti.
Therefore, I am issuing a call to repentance to Christians throughout America, especially those in greater Los Angeles. You may be wondering why Los Angeles is ripe for judgment. For the past century, through music and media, Hollywood has become the headquarters for the propagation of pornography, violence, greed, alcoholism, the drug culture, New Age practices, homosexual and pro-choice agendas, and a host of other anti-Christ views that have poisoned the lives of millions throughout the world.
Although repentance and intercession will lessen the number of deaths and degree of destruction, the Los Angeles earthquake will be formidable and is inevitable. However, we need to take action and mobilize prayer now.
Many question why a loving God would bring judgment through destructive earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. Yet the Scriptures are replete with examples (see Is. 2:19; 29:6, Nah. 1:5-6, Rev. 16:17-18).
Isaiah 13:11-13 says: "I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. ... I will shake the heavens, and the earth will move out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger." These verses make clear that mankind is drawing judgment on itself.
There are two primary spiritual laws that are in constant operation: One is the law of sin and death and the other, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (see Rom. 8:2).
Sin draws judgment and results in death. This principle applies not only to individuals but also to cities and nations. For example, when New Orleans developed a culture through the years that was steeped in debauchery, judgment came in the form of a hurricane. Similarly, when Haiti over time became a stronghold of divination, judgment was reaped in the form of a destructive earthquake.
Nevertheless, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus supersedes the law of sin and death. Therefore, America, let's sow to the Spirit by humbling ourselves before the Lord, seeking His face in prayer and turning from our wicked ways. Only then will the Lord heal our land and revive our "one nation under God" (see 2 Chron. 7:14).
About the author: Rob Winters is president and co-founder of Prepare the Way International, an itinerant prophetic ministry based in Phoenix, Arizona. Prepare the Way's mission is to ignite a spiritual revolution and reformation in America through preaching repentance, prophesying restoration and promoting revival. This mission is embodied in Rob's latest book, The Elisha Commission: Turning the Heart of America Back to God, which can be ordered at www.preparethewayint.com. Material in today's Prophetic Insight was adapted from Prepare the Way's newsletter, The Messenger, and is used by permission. The newsletter is available on the ministry's Web site.
