USGN Article - January 2003
Terry & Barbi Franklin
By: Terry Franklin

“The Aroma Of Victory”

Growing up in a place like Miami, Florida, known for its sunshine…and its hurricanes, I would hear stories about old men who could “smell” a storm coming…even when the sky was bright and blue. The old-timers would tell how, long before Doppler Radar or even radio and television, folks would watch their dogs or livestock for unusual behavior to indicate when a hurricane was approaching. It seems that animals have some sense of “change” that doesn’t necessarily register with human beings.

It’s the beginning of a New Year and I would love to write a “things-have-never-been-better” column. There ARE a lot of very GOOD things happening; Churches are working together more than they have in the recent past. There is more intercessory prayer taking place in communities across our land. We have a president who, rather than simply parading as a Christian, really seems to have a vibrant faith in Jesus. Added to this, we have an economy and standard of living that is the envy of most of the world.

But I’m keeping an eye on my dog…

Many of us are feeling a change in the air. Something is…different. And it’s a bit (dare I say it) scary.

We don’t like change, do we? It was easy when all of that “End-Times” stuff was relegated to Training Union on a Sunday night at church…easy when you’ve separated and compartmentalized your religious life from your “real” life. Harder when you really have come to believe that Jesus really IS our “soon coming King.” All that "persecution" stuff might have a trace of relevance for us, not just for those who will go through the tribulation.

But child of God, don’t lose heart. LIFT UP YOUR HEAD AND BEGIN THE MOST EXCITING YEAR IN HISTORY! Yes, God is wrapping up history – BUT WE ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE WITH HIM! While the demonic realm is increasing it’s dark activity -- God is marshalling HIS warriors. In fact, some of the difficulties you have gone through in recent months or years are only making you stronger for the AWESOME work God wants to do through you!

Yes, there’s a change in the breeze – but it’s the smell of success – the aroma of victory.

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