Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched the news coming from Asbury with eager expectations. Social media has been flooded with videos of thousands of believers worshipping. Indeed, it is like nothing I have ever seen. And this past weekend, Wilmore, Kentucky, was shut down due to the influx of visitors. Can you imagine? A city shutting down just because so many want to touch the hem of His garment!
However, there was something else I couldn’t help but notice as the Asbury Revival increased – naysayers. Here are a few of the posts I saw:
- “Why are people traveling when they could experience the Holy Spirit at their home churches?”
- “This ISN’T true revival. Don’t be foolish.”
- “Be wary of this false teaching!”
These Debbie Downers actually encouraged people not to go to Wilmore and see God at work. But some of these same people are fine with traveling across the state (or further) to see their favorite sports team play, concerts, or even for fabulous vacations? I digress.
These constant posts troubled my soul. We have prayed for God to send revival for years, but when He does, it is criticized? It makes no sense! Why shouldn’t we encourage a move of God so great and mighty? Isn’t He capable of moving mountains and parting seas? I don’t think there is room for chance regarding the wonders of our Savior.
I believe He is in the process of doing something big and He’s using college students to accomplish it. The Asbury revival wasn’t planned. In fact, it started when a group of students were so consumed by the Holy Spirit that they didn’t leave their weekly chapel service. Instead, they gathered in prayer, repentance, and worship. Likewise, in Asbury’s wake, there have been other reports of student-led revival breakouts.
These young adults are on the front lines, not only in this recent spiritual move of God but also in their day-to-day lives. Filled with stress, tests, and indoctrination, these young men and women are impacted by the culture more than most. They should be the ones ministered to, but nevertheless, they are ministering to so many around the nation.
Is there anything we can do to encourage them?
I’m so glad you asked.
Until recently, I knew little about a significant event happening around college campuses this week – The Collegiate Day of Prayer. Since 1823, this day has been set aside for college students and campuses. Also, this year's main event is taking place at Asbury University. And this was scheduled before the revival broke out! Isn't that amazing?
Yep, you read that right. This year is a monumental anniversary for a monumental season of worship!
Two-hundred years ago, during the Second Great Awakening, “every major denomination” joined together and set aside the last Thursday in February as a day to gather together in united prayer.
According to The Collegiate Day of Prayer’s website, “The American churches viewed these student communities as the coming future of their congregations, culture, and society. They believed that the direction of their churches and that of the whole nation would soon follow the spiritual bent and character of America’s college students — as the students go, so goes the nation.”
These churches knew that through the power of the Holy Spirit, these students had the potential to change their own lives, their futures, and the history books. It didn’t matter what age or denomination they were, they simply wanted to see Jesus move.
Do we?
I believe we are on the cusp of one of the most significant moves of God to date. But are we willing to step out of the way and let Him do what needs to be done? Or are we just sitting, watching, and judging?
I pray this isn’t the case.
On Thursday, I hope you and your family take dedicated time to pray for college students and campuses nationwide. But let it not stop there. Add them to your daily prayer list. Get in contact with a local school and see how you can minister. Anything can happen with the power of the Holy Spirit, the redeeming blood of Jesus, and hearts seeking Him.
May we keep seeking His return and relish in revival!
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
For more information about this event, visit collegiatedayofprayer.org.
