Revival

As a Christian, I have often wondered just what revival really looks like.  Several years ago God brought about a change in my life that focussed my attention on the teachings of His Word and gave me a growing sensitivity to His guidance in my life.  I have prayed for many years for the renewing or revival of God’s people.  I know that there are many who pray for this, but Christians or churches do not experience even a small percentage of the power of God as we, the church, have become largely self-centered and arrogant promoting only our brand of theology.

Recently, I spent nearly three weeks at a youth camp in western Alaska.  I was part of a team who participated in the camp by providing training on the power of healing prayer and, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, provided the opportunity for healing prayer to anyone who needed it.  The team I am part of actually believes that the words spoken in II Chronicles 7:14 is a literal promise from God Almighty and that if we humble ourselves and pray, He will hear us and heal our land.  The burden was heavy.  Between teaching and providing prayer ministry it was rare to climb into the cabin bunk before midnight.  We prayed for unbelievable heartache carried by these young men and women.  We saw God work in powerful ways in their lives, some were completely transformed.  God is amazing!

I spent my time in camp watching for signs of revival.  As the team prepared for several months for this trip, my personal expectation centered around the start of a great time of renewal and revival spreading throughout western Alaska.  As we progressed through camp my body and soul became weary. My heart was broken for the pain around me and even though we daily saw God work in many wonderful ways, I was worn and tired.  Then it happened.  After the evening service with just a couple days left in camp two of the ladies and myself were left alone in the chapel.  We were mostly quiet for a time, then one of the ladies spoke to the other about letting us help her bear her burden.  She began to weep.  She wept the unrestrained, uncontrolled tears of a heart that was broken for the pain of others.  As I sat with her and watched the love of Jesus Christ run down her cheeks and flow forth in the words she was able to speak, the Holy Spirit spoke into my life and said, “This is what revival looks like.”

And so, my life has been changed.  I am convinced that if even a small percentage of people who call themselves Christians could experience a truly broken heart for the lost around us the world would change in a very short period of time.  We must humble ourselves before God, but He will hear us and He will heal our land.

His Kid, Your Brother

Ken