Revival is Near!
Heard any good news lately?
About a month ago 40 pastors gathered for a dinner/discussion at the behest of the Trumbull County Community of Christians. Our purpose was to grapple with the question, “What do you see as the biggest issue confronting our communities?” The 40 responses were written on large Post-it notes and transferred to the wall for all to see. The list included things like racism, drugs, poverty and fear. But when we voted on which of these 41 issues were most important three outdistanced all others...it wasn’t even close. Here they are.
1) Lack of forgiveness
2) The erosion of the family
3) Lack of unity.
We had prayed the Holy Spirit would speak through this group and we believe He did. The primary problem facing our communities is a divided church. We are the problem. Our lack of unity and our broken relationships have left us bereft of spiritual power. The absence of salt has brought corruption and the absence of light has brought darkness.
We gathered again recently for further discussion and what I heard encouraged me. I heard pastors taking ownership and responsibility for the problems with humility; brokenness, and ruthless honesty. I heard a cry for unity. “We must come together in Christ. And we have to do it quickly. We’re running out of time.”
What I heard was good news.
Revival is near when we begin to hear things that reflect the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
These gatherings represent the genesis of something great. The cries of repentance and the cries for revival have been heard by God.
Revival is near.
Pastor Dan Barker