A small Christian college located in Kentucky is making the headlines. This college is experiencing a revival that has looked like several days long, continual prayer and worship that does not appear to be coming to an end anytime soon. There is precedent for revival at Asbury as the campus experienced a divine moment in 1970 as well.
Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, former President of Asbury University, notably said of the famed 1970 spiritual revival: “Give me one divine moment when God acts, and I say that moment is far superior to all the human efforts of man through the centuries.”
Seeing God stir the hearts of the generation that is preparing to launch into our world as leaders, teachers, business people, pastors, parents, and more is exciting to say the least! We often want to lament the evil of the younger generations, but we can rejoice that God is still at work in our world! Hope is not lost for our children and grandchildren.
A Unique Move of God
What is notable about this movement is that it's unique in the way that it is unfolding. It did not come out of extraordinary preaching or a famous Christian performer. It began after a very typical chapel service in which some students just didn’t leave. They felt led to stay and pray and worship. The humble act of just desiring to remain present in the house of the Lord has given way to a movement that is being talked about across the country.
This movement has not been marked by signs and wonders, politics, or preaching. Reportedly those on campus have shared that for their generation, there is so much brokenness and pain. The stories that are emerging are of students experiencing the presence and power of God and finding God's sanctifying spirit in their lives, which is life-changing!
The cry of many that have attended the revival services is that this small movement would ignite a passion for God’s presence to be real for the younger generations! The prayer is not for this just to be a campus event but to be a beginning of a presence-driven revival to cross our nation. We need Jesus and his healing power at work in our lives. Let revival be a path for us to experience his life-changing presence tangibly.
Our Call to Action
The call to action as we watch what is going on at Asbury is to pray that many would find the hope of Christ through the young generation. Join with those praying that this move of the Holy Spirit would spread across our country. That other colleges and universities would experience God’s tangible and healing presence in their midst in an undeniable way. Pray that churches would also see God move in their midst as well. Continue to pray for protection over these students and the campus. Don’t let this humble movement of worship turn into something that it was never meant to be. Keep it pure, and let God’s heart of love be what is shared through this movement.
Revival Is a Catalyst for Change
Revival historically has been a way to reignite the church. Especially when people have felt that things have gone wrong or something has been lost. Many sense that American Christianity is struggling and lost its way. So many prominent leaders are falling into scandal and sin. Political issues divide the church. A departure from Biblical truths across denominations. There is hope in this revival to get back to Jesus in a profound and experiential way.
These moments are an invitation to the church and the younger generation to experience God. To move beyond the bounds of church and religion, and just meet their Maker. There is a window into Heaven in these gatherings that allows people to feel God’s spirit in a special way. While the choice to remain faithful to the change that is felt in the moments of revival, these social movements of faith historically have led to real change in the church and the lives of individuals.
We can cheer on this movement and ask that God touch many so that his love is known by more. God has historically done mighty, life-changing work through revival movements. Let the Asbury Revival be another chance to hear God’s voice, feel his spirit, and respond with obedience.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/John Price
Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.