“If my people who are called by my name 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).
A “Revival” has been described as increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of believers. Revivals do result into mass conversions of non-believers who repent of their sinful nature and turn back to God. Historically revivals have changed societies, and led to restoration of the church to a vital and fervent relationship with God. For example, the abolition movement that led the end of Atlantic slave trade was inspired by the “Awakening” revival which also produced some of the greatest world universities like Dartmouth and Princeton.
Those in Uganda are privileged to have founded the 1930 East Africa revival considered by some to be the longest running revival in Christian history. The “Balokole movement” had a sweeping effect on the “dead church” and helped revive it with the fire of a message of repentance and turning back to God. Wherever it touched the Balokole movement changed society with its stressing the importance of education, virtuous living and personal hygiene.
Like others, the East African revival drew power from the Pentecost when believers received the Holy Spirit who totally changed their lives. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2: 1-4).
Then there was transformation of lives. “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (vv 44-47).
Revivals change lives. They turn people to look more to God to solve their problems. Revivals affect non believers who marvel at the change in the transformed lives of new believers. May we pray for such revival, for “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” ( Isiah 59:1).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for a revival inspired by the Holy Spirit that comes to change lives and turn our nation to look more to you as the author and finisher of all life, this we pray in Jesus’s name!
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21/05/2024 - 22/05/2024 All day“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare” (Proverbs 24-26)
Anyone who has taken a long walk through dark forested woods knows the fear and trepidation of suddenly coming face to face with some dreadful creature stirring from nowhere. Hence, one walks gingerly, with his sixth senses fully alert.
In life, there are also those situations where we too can find ourselves fearful of the worst, a terror suddenly unleashed upon us by some nemesis, just as we had lowered our guard. Yes, some evil was waiting for the right time to knock us down.
In our verse today we see here some of the blessings of placing our confidence in the Lord. People tend to lose sleep when there is something there are most anxious of, especially when there are uncertain of the outcome. Also, there are certain job situations where in a rat chase one has no idea of the next move of his competition, and is ever fearful of a wicked surprise. When we walk with the Lord, we are at peace because it is not much of the circumstances around us that determine our fate. But it is His protection.
Our lives are much like how pilots enjoy a panoramic view of all that is below. For the traveler who has not that vantage view there can be that anxiety especially once caught in the thick of the jungle. But then by looking up to God who knows and sees everything hovering over us, why worry! This is why Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that your peace may abound upon me in whatever situation I face as I know you are in supreme control.
