Sunday, September 19, 2010

Book Review: Storm Warning


As a Thomas Nelson book reviewer, I recently had the chance to read Billy Graham's updated version of Storm Warning. Originally written in 1992, Graham has taken the same concepts and applied current events (current economic crisis, 9/11, Iran, and more) to the equation.


If you are looking for a play by play direct correlation to current events to Revelation and the end times, this is not the book for you. Most of those books are mere speculation anyways. What Graham has done is used the moments that seem 'end times' in our current or even recent past and shown the importance of being prepared as Christ Followers. Graham focuses his writing on what Christians can do to be prepared for Jesus' second coming, how they can protect themselves from the dangers of this world (such as cults and other spiritual movements), and instilling a sense of peace and joy knowing that as Christ followers we serve the ultimate king, the winner of it all. We don't need to worry about what is 'about to happen', but can find peace knowing that on the other side of the storm, there is great peace.


As Christians, we also have the opportunity to be powerful influences during these storms. Rather than sit and wait in fear of Revelation to come to fruition, we should be eagerly searching out ways to possibly 'slow it' as Elijah did and to find moments to share Christ with others. One of my favorite passages of the book was on page 267, "May we not miss His (Jesus) presence. May we not be found with our lamps dimmed. May we be found waiting, watching, and working for His glory." Whether Revelation has, is, or is going to soon reveal itself, my job is to focus on serving my Lord and be ready during these storm warnings so that I can withstand the wind and rain and enjoy the after-storm glory of eternity.


While a rather quick read, Graham's writing style is rather dry and hard to sometimes get motivated about. I did find the book picking up and more enjoyable about 2/3 of the way through. While not a poolside read, I think this would be an appropriate book for any believer who is using private study and devotional time focusing on the future and current events and how they relate.