I’ve been wondering about this. I’ve heard a few people mention that they believe this is true. I suspect it is!
Great Awakening refers to 4 movements in our history when people “woke up” from spiritual slumber, experienced a profound sense of conviction and spiritual revival and became increasingly devoted to Jesus as Lord.
The first one was in the 1730’s and 40’s with Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield and others as the passionate preachers leading the way in this awakening.
The second one was in the late 18th century to mid 19th century – this time without the big-name preachers but tied to social reforms. It spread far and wide in the Northeast and Midwest.
The 3rd one was in the 1850’s and early 1900’s, characterized by new denominations and an increase in missionary work. D.L. Moody was a well known figure during this time. This awakening was also tied to social and religious reforms.
The 4th one was in the 1960’s and 70’s when the Jesus Movement occurred along with the Charismatic Renewal and an upsurge of many conservative evangelical denominations. I had the privilege of becoming a Christian in these days and I can attest to the amazing atmosphere of faith, hope, love and miracles happening in that day. It was anything but sleepy! The atmosphere felt “electric” in those days!
C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.“
I don’t know about you but I’ve been taking extra time to pray and ask God what He wants to say to us in these days of quarantine during the current pandemic. In no way do I believe that this terrible virus originated from Him. But I know Him, He always uses hard things to move us out of our ruts and get us to a new destination.
I’m asking, “Lord what is it that you want me to see? What do I need to repent of or let go of? Where are you taking me? Where are you taking all of us?”
It does feel like there is an end to life as we have known it. Whenever there’s an ending, there’s a new beginning to follow. What I want to know is what is God beginning?
Listen to these words from Scripture:
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NLT
I want to wholeheartedly jump into this new beginning and leave behind anything that doesn’t belong to the new season.
I hope you will ready yourselves and come too! He is inviting you.
With love and prayers,
Terri
www.fullyalive5.com
