God is continuing to powerfully display His goodness and love at New Life Church. For the last four Sundays, we have not ended service but have felt drawn into an extended time of worship. This has coincided with a remnant gathering in the sanctuary on Monday mornings at 10 AM. Some Deacons, Elders, staff, and members are unified and crying out a simple but rattling prayer, “Don’t pass us by!”
It’s not just happening here. There is evidence of a significant spiritual stirring all over. Church attendance among youth and young adults has spiked to be twice what it has been for the last half-century. There is higher belief in moral absolutes and wide spread rejection of the “do what is right for you” relativism that has defined a post-modern era.
Sexual and gender identity crises are declining. Secularization and self-sufficiency is collapsing. Anxiety culture is cracking. Shallow religion is being shaken. Campus revivals are surging. Bible study and prayer groups are swelling. A sincere spiritual hunger is rising.
When culture becomes barren, people begin searching not for earthly and temporal things, but for heavenly and eternal. Could this be the beginning of a nationwide revival? Is this the next great spiritual awakening on the earth?
If so, how do we steward this moment?
I have been praying into this. My searching brought me to Abraham in Genesis 18. In his story, we see how to respond when God comes near. Abraham didn’t passively watch a visitation. He hosted one. His heart cried out what our’s are now crying, “Don’t pass me by.”
We serve, we give, we repent, we intercede for the condemned—just as Abraham modeled for us.
1. Abraham Bowed — The Posture of Readiness
“He bowed low…” (v.2)
This is more than humility — this is Abraham making himself available. This is a heart ready to move when God speaks.
A move of God doesn’t begin with our giftedness — it begins with our surrender. God advances His kingdom through servants who say “yes.” We can no longer settle for being spectators who stay comfortable.
Are you serving Jesus in this house? Or are you struggling with surrender, maybe withholding your time from the Lord? Find a place to serve monthly.
2. Abraham Gave His Best — The Posture of Sacrifice
Abraham ran to prepare a meal. He told his servants not gather the leftovers, but to bring the finest he had. Sacrifice and generosity grabs the heart of God. We see Jesus stops and points to the widow’s two coins and says, “She gave more than everyone else.” (Mark 12:41-44)
Revival does not flourish where people give God the leftovers. Revival flourishes where people offer God their best. It draws the attention of Jesus.
Are you stewarding your resources for the Kingdom sacrificially and generously? Or are you negotiating with God over what belongs to you and what belongs to Him when it comes to your finances? A great goal for each of us is to begin tithing (10%) to the Lord. We give every time we get as an act of obedience and faithfulness.
3. Sarah Was Exposed — The Posture of Repentance
When God draws near, hidden places are revealed. Sarah laughed but not in joy. Her laughter was attempts to cover her hurt and doubt. The light and glory of Jesus always lovingly and graciously exposes what the flesh tries to bury.
Repentance is always the fruit of revival. Holy Spirit reveals fractures and draws us to God’s healing and grace. He longs to pour out His power, but He will first purify our hearts.
Do you feel Holy Spirit tugging at anything in you? From deep rooted habits, to destructive thinking, are you quick to repent when the Lord puts His finger on sin? As He moves, anticipate He will lovingly peel back the laughter to heal you.
4. Abraham Interceded — The Posture of Mercy
Because Abraham welcomed God, God said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (v.17)
Abrahams hospitality bred Intimacy. Intimacy opened to revelation. And revelation led Abraham to intercession.
Before judgment fell on Sodom, God allowed Abraham to stand in the gap. That is what will happen in revival — God will break our hearts for those facing imminent judgement. Our hearts will fill with compassion and we will be compelled to action.
Does your heart ache for the lost? Do you plead for mercy over the condemned? Is it time for action? Perhaps it is time to bring that co-worker’s name to God in intercession. Join the outreach team and be a conduit of grace.
If this is truly the hour God is beginning to pour out His Spirit in a fresh way upon the earth, then how we posture ourselves right now matters.
This is not a season to observe — it is a season to host Him.
Don’t pass us by, Lord