Layman's Lounge

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Category: A Deeper Word

Published: Monday, 24 January 2011 04:36

Written by Mark Neddeau

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But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3

Friends,

A key prayer of any church is for revival:  Souls to be poured into the church through a gospel explosion of faith and Word. We all want such an outpouring that the world hears of it and comes running. But we want to caution you about the other side of such an explosion. In any explosion there is a sudden abrupt release of energy, a "wow" factor that pulls heads around to see what is happening and causes some to duck and cover. But this is momentary and rare. The true effect of an explosion is found in the "fallout". The residue and debris that rain down or settle in an area that has seen an explosion is the true indicator of the force and energy that visited the region.

We as Christians can sometimes fail to understand that after the explosion comes the cleanup. The walk through (the steady work that results from the energy released), is found in our faith, our prayer life, our example to others. The resistance built up by the enemy to our explosive power means that we have to dig through their bunkers, fighting against built up defenses that resist the initial explosive power of God. We can begin to falter under the opposition of those who survived the explosion without change or submission, and we begin to realize that this life we live in Christ is only effective in the long-term, consistent walk that puts us in harms way. It's easy to want God to pour out his Spirit in such a way that all we have to do is fly above the battle field, above the debris, and watch souls flock into heaven. But that is not the way of faith.

Consider him (Jesus) and consider them (the faithful, the ministers, the examples) who have endured and continue to endure opposition long after the revival is over. Watch them and mark them, as they will be the ones who will help you understand and know how to walk when the sound of the explosion is gone. Sometimes God starts us off with a bang to remind us later that he did so once and can do so again. But until he does friends, learn how to walk in faith and endure.

In Love,

Elder Mark and Sister Dana