Revival through crises and persecution

What could bring about such an awakening in the new millennium? According to some experts what we need is persecution. Yes, that's what I said, persecution. And lately Chinese Christians have been praying for just that: for believers in the U.S. to come under persecution. This is because history concludes that believers most often experience legitimate awakening through the catalyst of crises, which leads to repentance and true revival.

Throughout history, God, at times, has allowed a crises to grip the soul of a nation, so that through it people might come to the end of their human abilities; and, in desperation, cry to God for help, forgiveness, personal restoration, and social healing. The Old Testament illustrates repeatedly how tribulation or trials often become God's only means of redemption. The God who chastens whom he loves will allow famine, military aggression, economic woes, or whatever may be necessary to turn the heart of the nation back toward Himself.

This is not to suggest that revival is impossible without persecution or crises. In fact, long before God sends crises upon a land, He first sends people of faith (prophets) to announce the impending divine chastisement. This is a gracious appeal from God; He wants to show mercy instead of tribulation. If God can bring a nation to repentance without introducing a crises, this is the choice God obviously prefers. In Ezekiel 18:30, the prophet said, "Repent, and turn from your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin." Repentance is the key.

When Jonah, the reluctant prophet, spoke to Nineveh concerning the impending judgment of God--that judgment was certain, but open repentance provided a means of escape. When the king of Nineveh heard the prophetic preaching of Jonah, he believed the true prophet and repented in sackcloth and ashes. The result was a revival of righteousness without need to initiate the impending crises.

During these crucial days, God is looking for Jonah-like leaders who will preach repentance in love. Only God knows how much time we have before the crises begins. This is where it gets challenging. Calling a people or a nation to repentance is not an easy task. It's easier to preach things people want to hear and will applaud--such as lauding the politically correct claims of a great revival, even when statistics reveal it's a lie. Thus, crises often become necessary. It forces people to face the facts even if they prefer hiding from them.

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