An Article of Faith

As a nation we desperately need revival – a fresh encounter with God that changes lives, behaviors, ethics, cultural norms, and even the structures of society itself. In spite of our prayers, fasting, repentance, and evangelistic efforts over the past decades, our nation seems to be moving further and further from God and His holy standards. The darkness around us seems to be getting darker and darker.

The problem, however, is not with the darkness. Darkness can’t be anything but dark. The problem is the lack of light. When light shines, it dispels the darkness. When we submit to God’s cleansing and refining work, He prepares clean vessels through which the light of Christ can shine.

For the next several weeks, we’ll be looking at Henry Blackaby and Claude King’s insights from “Fresh Encounter,” a 28-day devotional guide for those seeking God for revival in the land. Their insights will help us understand from Scripture and history how God works to revive His people and use them to change our world. The spiritual need is urgent. Will you join me in seeking God together for revival in the land?

Today we’re facing a period of moral and spiritual decline that is perhaps more rapid and widespread than ever in our history. Almost everywhere you go, you will hear people crying out for revival. They want to experience God in the ways His people experienced His mighty power and presence in the Scriptures and in history. Some are experiencing a fresh breeze of God’s Spirit. Small mercy drops are falling in some places. But many are saying, “We don’t know what to do. Is there a Word from the Lord? What does God say we need to do?”

God’s Word has the answer for us. God has revealed Himself and His ways through His Word. He as spoken clearly about His expectations and standards. He has revealed principles and described examples. He stand ready to pour out times of refreshing on the dry and thirsty ground of our lives and nation. But He’s waiting on a people who are willing to pay the price of surrender and obedience to His will and His ways. Will you be such a person? Will you join with others who are willing to be such persons?

“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name” (Malachi 3:16).

This series of articles is designed to facilitate this kind of conversation and prayer. Thus, I challenge you to spend time daily with God through His Word. Take time to pray as you seek the kind of relationship with God through which He can revive you and use you for revival and awakening. Join us for prayer each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Jenkins Memorial Baptist as we seek God together for revival in the land.

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