Is There A Revival in Our Day?
Pastor’s Perspective, South Stevens County Times
for March 2023
By Pastor Tim White
How many in the Inland Northwest had heard of Wilmore, Kentucky, or Asbury University (AU) on Super Bowl Sunday? However, as of today, is there anyone who has not heard of them? In two weeks, thousands of people across America traveled to AU’s Hughes Chapel, hoping to experience what so many others were experiencing – the presence of God. Even the most liberal news media wondered what was happening in Wilmore, KY.
The ignition point seemed so simple, yet we now see it was rather profound. We understand that about 19 students remained after the morning chapel service on Wednesday, Feb. 8th, and at some point, one young man confessed his sin to the others. The sincerity and transparency of the moment were unmistakable, and so was the noticeable change in the atmosphere. They could sense the gentle presence of God, and it grew as they continued to pray, sing, and repent, each responding to the conviction for their own sin.
As other students exited their classes, they could hear the singing in the chapel, and the word got out, “something is happening in the chapel.” Even more students, including students from across the street at Asbury Seminary, came. As the worship and prayer continued through the night and into the next day, the word spread beyond the campus.
People in the surrounding area began to hear about it, and, well, as they say, the rest is history. The presence of God was evident to all– to some, it was “peace,” and to others, the conviction and forgiveness of sin, and, for all, a fresh expression of worship. And unlike so many people who sit in churches today, waiting for the clock to strike noon, no one wanted to leave.
This non-stop worship and prayer service, impregnated with God’s tangible and gentle presence, had begun in the humblest and most unorchestrated manner one could imagine. The big-named preachers and the celebrity-level worship teams were absent when God showed up. Fully aware of its origin, the president, faculty, and student leadership understood that this was a work of God, not man. Their role, therefore, was to guard the sanctity and simplicity of the moment – nothing more.
As the second weekend arrived, so did around 20,000 people into this small town of 6,000. Unfortunately, the massive flood of hungry souls overwhelmed the town’s infrastructure, so they had to relocate public services outside the town. However, what is evident within American society is that many people hunger for authentic faith in a real, living, powerful, and gracious God.
Not surprisingly, our human-centered culture, driven by one’s subjective feelings and momentary desires, has not delivered what it promised. People are waking up to this fact, and now, led by a young generation, people are turning to the God of the Bible and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Will we follow the same “God-drawing” heart condition of confession and surrender?
So, is this revival? This question was succinctly answered by the AU student body president, who said, “We are not ready to call this a revival; instead, we are calling this an outpouring.” These prudent words are just a sample of the university leadership’s spiritual maturity and reverence for a spiritual encounter far beyond their ability to fabricate.
Revivals and awakenings are sprinkled across our nation’s history and have been critical to her survival. I have invested much time in the topic of revival and community transformation. In 2015, I became the NW Regional Director for the Journey to Transformation, a program that contains timeless teachings on genuine revival and awakening. This vital teaching was presented on March 31-April 1st, 2023, at Family of Faith Community Church in Spokane. More information can be found at: www.sentinelgroup.org
For me, what is most encouraging about this “outpouring” is seeing it arise within this younger generation. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Gen. Z” (1995-2015), as they are called, experience the highest percentage (41%) of sad, hopeless, and suicidal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of any generation. Alarmingly, this has increased dramatically in just 10 years (2011-2021). I believe God’s heart grieves for this generation suffering from the consequences of the multiple lies and self-serving godless ideologies of today’s culture.
Based on students’ testimonies from AU, the impact on them is to counteract these negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The revelation of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness through confession of sin begins to clarify their identity, determine their true self-worth, and give them a reason for living. It sets them free from the epidemic of hopelessness and confusion among their peers. Moreover, freedom and new life are available to anyone, regardless of generation.
I believe God’s heart grieves as He looks upon the ruined lives and deteriorating society around us in the Inland Northwest. This worsening condition is the manifestation of the “curses” spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD.” (Jer. 17:5). However, there is a remedy, and through an excellent example of Asbury University, we can see our way out.
If you realize you need to get your life right before God, confess whatever sin He has revealed, and ask His forgiveness and cleansing. God is for you and ready to rescue you from the many grievous consequences that await all who reject Him – in this world and the next. He longs to forgive, cleanse, and empower you with His Holy Spirit. “With God, all things are possible” (Matt. 19:16) – as God heard the repentant words of a few humble college students, He can do the same right here – where you and I live – no celebrities required.