How Long Does It Take?

How Long?

How long does it take for a man to realise his sin and turn to back or turn to the Lord. How about his family? His town? How long does it take for a nation to turn from their wicked ways?

Quite a time maybe – or was it quickly?

As far as I know, we only have one, maybe two recorded instances of “suddenly”, but there are several examples of slow turns. The most obvious ‘suddenly’ was when Elijah called down the fire of God on Mount Carmel. The only other instance where my reading of scripture indicates a sudden turn was when Moses came back to find the golden idols. Every other story of the Jewish peoples returning to God was somewhat longer. I suppose we can also say that on the two sudden occasions, the whole of Israel was gathered in one place so that made a sudden corporate repentance possible.

How long would such an event take now? A corporate, whole nation, turning from their sin and crying out to God? I suppose it would only be possible with the use of the media these days and, even then, it would need to be something very public, very spectacular, and very obvious for the whole nation to stop and take any notice. I imagine that TV re-runs and so on could help too but it may have to be something pretty cataclysmic to turn the nation. Even 9-11 didn’t do that !!

So, in all probability, it will only happen a little more slowly. In past revivals, even recent ones, things have started slowly and gathered momentum as the word spread and as people carried the blessing to their own communities. Wales and Azusa Street took a couple of years although the after effect was felt for decades. Argentina in the 80’s and 90’s affected huge numbers of their nation but was never a national thing. It became international as people visited and brought the blessing away with them. But, big as it was, it was never something that affected the whole nation. Nor was Toronto, or Pensacola, or any other more recent outpouring.

So, how long will any new revival take to grab the nation’s attention, and how long will it last? What will it take to grab a nation and shake it to attentiveness such that the Gospel can be preached – and effectively acted upon? What will it take to turn a nation? I don’t think we can even begin to realise the power and presence of Holy Spirit – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20. I think that when Holy Spirit moves again, the media will be involved big time. I think it will be such a phenomenon that we will have to learn to sprint to even keep up with Him.

Finally, how long before it happens? Some say it has started, or is already starting. I pray for health, wisdom, and discernment for there will be many deceptions as all of this unfolds. Millions will be swept into the Kingdom and I will be so very joyful to even witness some of it let alone be an active part of it.

Here am I, Lord, send me.