The evangelist that brought a message to us on Pentecost Sunday said two things, that God would honor the desire for His Presence, and that Revival would come but would be different than we expected. As I wrote yesterday, I wrestled with the first part of that message for a good week, but finally gained a peace. I hardly thought about the second part of the message, mainly because I never fully outlined my expectations of what Revival would look like.
That changed Wednesday evening. I was the only one at prayer. All alone I felt led to not even turn on the worship CDs but to just walk around the church and listen and pray about what I heard God speak. To say I was stunned would be an understatement. The second part of the evangelist’s message came to me – that revival would come but be different than what I expected. I realized in that moment I do have an expectation about Revival – one only – that it would through our church. I heard God ask me, “will you still love and serve me if it comes to a different church in your city?”
I began to wrestle and weep. I knew I would still love God and serve Him, no matter what. But would I be able to rejoice and be glad that Revival was here. I picked up my Bible and turned immediately to Philippians 1 and began to read verses 12 to 20, especially verse 18: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice…”
Paul was in prison and might possibly be condemned by Rome to die. Others were preaching the Good News – some from good motives, others hoping to make things even more difficult for him. As he thought about that he rejoiced in the fact that no matter what, Christ was being preached and he could rejoice.
If revival comes through another church, if it begins in a different church, could I rejoice like Paul. To be perfectly honest, I was still wrestling with that when I left for home.
