Revival!

As I was praying for North America, I began picturing the old revivals. By revival, people often meant that not only did Christians come to a new experience with God, there were also countless conversions. People gathered in sweltering tents and came down the sawdust aisles in droves, confessing sin and surrendering their lives to Christ. Huge buildings were filled to capacity to hear an evangelist as he leaned into the mic and held up his well worn Bible, even shaking it for emphasis. It was the time of mass revival.

We haven't seen that lately. As I prayed, though, I wondered how a willing, twenty-first century heart would respond in that setting. There would likely be an enthusiastic affirmation of the truths that were being preached. Between kneeling at the altar and heading back out of the door, the life event would be posted on every social media platform available. The drive home would be wonderful, recounting the transformation in thinking over the last few hours. As soon as the keys were hung up, social media would reveal rapidly increasing likes, loves and shorthand for "Praise the Lord!" Sleep wouldn't come easily that night, but that would only provide more time for prayer. Work the next day and the next week had become a thing of blessing and richness... for now. 

Hidden beneath that experience are nearly imperceptible poisonous traps. Social media excitement meanders on, work gradually overwhelms, a thousand news outlets bring depression and frustration, while games and yet more social media become the endless treadmill to escape. In just a few weeks or months, revival is needed - again.

What happens when the same heart is consistently exposed to relationships that are refreshing and genuine? What if, in that context, the truth is gently and lovingly spoken and lived out? Imagine that happening repeatedly at every encounter with saints who know and love God. The heart that has become exhausted in trying to keep up with cramming one more thing into the 6:00 am to 12:00 am day found a place to be quiet and hear something that satisfies the deepest need. "God loves me; always has, always will. He expressed that love through His Son, Jesus Christ, Who died for every mistake and failure that burdens me with guilt. He constantly has new blessings for me. I am eternally valued by Him. He brought these truths to me through the faithfullness of this friend whose coffee has been cold for an hour, but whose love is as warm and welcoming as ever. "

Lord, teach us to walk with You and with others.