Posted Jan 24, 2022 |
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up” Hebrews 12:1-3.
For probably the past five or so years Revivals have been on my mind. History has documented the Great Awakening, Revivals in the 1700-1800s, and those between 1950-1980s; all of which I was either not alive for or was only a baby. The generation we live in today does not even know what a revival is nor do they behave as though they care. Something in me has been curious to know how to have one or get them restarted.
A few years ago, I did some research on the topic and it appeared to be that ordinary men and women just advertised preaching and people showed up. Nowadays, churches have a hard time getting people in the door for a short 30 minute sermon by a well-known preacher with all their needs catered to, let alone some random stranger who preaches for over an hour without all the bells and whistles. (Sorry momentary rant). I still believe, though, that this is a perfect time for a revival but just have no clue of how to get one started.
I will start with prayer and see what God does with it because it is the only step I know.
Several years ago, someone who was gifted in revivals, an amazing man of God graduated to Heaven. He was an icon to the Christian faith and a beautiful example of being a light to the world. Christ told us to follow in His footsteps so that we may bring the lost into Salvation and into a relationship with Him. Billy Graham did that.
He was known for his constant desire to tell others about the saving knowledge of Christ, His forgiveness, and everlasting love. For many decades he was the hands, feet, and mouth of Christ. Although he was just a vessel the Lord used to bring others to Christ, he was meticulously sculpted by God to do His will.
When I heard that he passed away, all I could do was smile.
Such joy came over me just thinking about his passing because I knew where he was, Who he was with, and could only imagine the kind of welcome he received when he got there. This was a man who spent more than 70% of his life winning souls for God, can you even fathom what that might look like as he entered Heaven. Not to mention being able to see the love of his life again, eleven years after her death.
My head was spinning at all the possibilities of what was occurring in Heaven that day. Would he have had any questions for God and how he would be greeted. What a fantastic example of living and loving like Jesus.
Thank you, Reverend Graham, for being the example Christ called us to be and I pray your legacy lives on through others. I believe God is telling him today…..
Billy, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have remained faithful.
Well Done, thy good and faithful servant!
If anyone has a suggestion on revivals please feel free to write it in the comments.
