An Article of Faith

What would it really take to see a widespread movement of revival? Is it possible to work together to see revival sweep across whole regions of a country – or even an entire nation?
In Texas there are plans to build a new, super high-speed highway to connect the major cities across the state, from top to bottom. It reminds us of words from the book of Isaiah that speak of building a different kind of super highway – a highway for our God: “Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Isaiah 40:3 NLT.)
The prophet Isaiah references the custom of Eastern monarchs who would send messengers in advance to announce that their king was coming to visit his people. Since public roads were often nonexistent or overgrown and in dire need of repair, a group of people from the destination city would come out to clear the way.
John the Baptist applied this custom in his message about Jesus, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.”’” (Matthew 3:1-3 ESV.)
In other words, John was saying, “God is coming to visit you through His Messiah, King Jesus. Remove every obstacle. Prepare a highway for God.”
Many voices are crying out today telling us what we must prioritize: political solutions, economic solutions, educational solutions. Even moral and religious solutions. But God’s number one priority is for His people to build a highway to encounter Him!
OneCry is a call for believers to unite in building a highway for God’s presence and power across our nation, from top to bottom, and beyond. Your life can be part of a superhighway for God’s presence and power! Jesus wants to visit you, your family, your church, and this nation. Is that what you want to see?
For true revival in our homes, churches, and nation, a “highway of holiness” must be built. But construction is messy, hard work! It takes dedicated builders and concerted effort to get the job done.
That’s why OneCry is calling people across North America to wake up to the spiritual emergency and to unite their prayers, their voices, and their influence to cry out to God until spiritual awakening comes. (Taken and adapted from: OneCry: A Nationwide Call for Spiritual Awakening. Visit www.onecry.com.)
“If My people,” declares the LORD, “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.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV.)

Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.