What could America look like if a spiritual awakening were to happen? What if COVID-19 so worked on the hearts and lives of people, they would turn to God in record numbers and an awakening was to happen?
When the awakening happened in Wales known as the Welsh Revival of 1904, lost people were dramatically converted. Evan Roberts and other preachers began to spread out over Wales to speak in churches. Seventy thousand people came to Christ in two months. In five months, the conversions were eighty-five thousand. Before long, one hundred thousand people were saved, and it all started with seventeen people responding to the simple proclamation of the Word of God.
Some of the well-documented life-changing results were, taverns closed due to lack of business, the crime rate dropped radically; leaving the police with little to do, people paid off old debts, while others made restitution for thefts and other wrongs committed. There were even reports of a work slowdown in the coal mines as the mules had to learn the new language of the converted coal miners. News of the revival spread to other countries and people were stirred to prayer. Soon, God was at work in nations around the world bringing people to Himself. It all started with one person, then two, then 17 people who responded to four commitments.
There is an important passage of Scripture in James 4:8-10 that is timely for our day. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
It all starts with drawing near to God. That would be refreshing just to see that in record numbers. Next, the text says He will draw near to us. However, there is more before that will happen. James tells us, people are called to cleanse their hands, purify their hearts, lament, mourn, and weep. The passage concludes with humbly approaching God.
Can a spiritual awakening happen in our days? Will a spiritual awakening happen in our lifetime? Some say it is too late. Others believe it is right around the corner. What say you?