Spending many of my teenage years in the Rocky Mountains, I can recall many evening skies that were nothing less than breathtaking. It’s hard for me to see how anyone can question God’s existence when his creation shouts his praises.

I can remember how I would test the sailor’s jingle, “Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning and red sky at night sailor’s delight,” as I was growing up. It seemed to always be a true sign of the coming weather conditions. It wasn’t until much later that I found Jesus also speaks about this same truth.

The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus to show them a sign from heaven testing him. In Matthew 16:2–3 Jesus responds, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today,

God desires to do something so powerful in the earth that it will catch the attention of all who hear about it.      (tweet)

for the sky is red and threatening.” Jesus goes on to declare them “Hypocrites” for they could see the natural signs but could not see the spiritual signs.

In the same manner has the church fallen in the same religious hypocritical rut that the Pharisees and Sadducees were in? Have we become so cold and callous that we cannot see the signs of the times we are living in?

One of the reasons David’s mighty men were so effective is that they understood the times. In 1 Chronicles 12:23–40 we see the numbers of those who came to David from each tribe, to make him king. The smallest group that was represented was from the tribe of Issachar. Though they were small in number they were mighty to God. Listen to what was recorded of them; in verse 32 it says they “Had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” These men had great skill above their fellow brethren. They could discern the times, not only in the natural but also in the spiritual. They not only knew when to plow and cultivate, but also when to sow and reap!

In Deuteronomy 33:19, we read that Issachar shall call the people to the mountain for sacrifices of righteousness. They knew the ceremonial times, when to press into God. They knew the condition of the nation and all the public affairs. Issachar knew it was expedient to make David king, for they had a grip on the signs of the time! Therefore, they knew when and what was needed!

I believe that not only are the signs of the times screaming at the church, to seek God for revival, but the Lord is speaking to those who will hear him. He is saying, like he said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”

God desires to do something so powerful in the earth that it will catch the attention of all who hear about it. The problem is when the church is asleep spiritually and not attentive to what God is doing. I believe the church has settled in with mediocrity and has become satisfied with the minimum! All the while, God is—able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

It’s time for the church to wake up and understand the times we’re living in and the purposes of God? If we are lacking in understanding of the times, we will not be tenacious in prayer for revival in the earth. Let’s be alert and seize the opportunity before us.