Why the Delay?

Why the Delay?

It is said by many, myself included, that we are approaching the end times and that revival is imminent. Actually, this has been prophesied with increasing clamour for the past 20 – 30 years and more. So what is the delay?

In these days of instant communication, world-wide TV and media coverage, You Tube on the internet, and so on, we have got used to hearing news of events currently happening from all around the globe. We have become so used to it, in fact, that I believe we have become quite blasé about it all. So much so that we have actually become resistant to it.

We can now watch wonderful scenes of miracles taking place under the aegis of many wonderfully anointed evangelists and leaders. To watch some of them is to be truly blessed and inspired by the wonderful miracle-working God we serve. Maybe that’s the problem – in our minds eye, He has become a miracle-working God rather than a saving God.

We watch video clips of Chinese Christians holding evangelistic meetings with thousands in attendance and also thousands responding to the Gospel message. We read of persecuted Christians all around the world. Persecuted churches are growing faster than we in the West can begin to comprehend.

So why, despite all the stimuli of what is happening in other far-flung places, does the church in the West almost refuse to grow?

I really think that fear is one of the major reasons. We are fearful of disturbing the natural balance of things. We have a cosy (state) church that snuggles up to whichever political regime in currently in power. Because we are allowed to carry on our quaint little meetings, and as long as we don’t make too many waves, then we hope we might be allowed to carry on a little bit longer. We do not fulfil any part of the Great Commission for fear of government closure and banishment.

Another reason for our lack of revival is our complete abhorrence of change. Once a week, Sunday Christianity is enough – maybe an occasional prayer meeting. But not more as that will interfere with our very active social lives and our very profitable business lives. Even in more active churches, the resistance to any change is a force not to be dismissed. We pray for revival but on our terms, in our church, and with a timing that fits in to our schedule.

A further stumbling block to revival is our total lack of commitment. This dovetails nicely into resistance to change. From all we’ve read of revival, it will cause massive disruption and it will be expensive. This introduces a further reason – that of cost. Not just monetary cost but cost of time and effort too. We have become lazy. We want revival with no effort – instant if you like. One or two evenings a week leaving us free to follow all our old practices and habits during the days when revival has been put on hold..

Finally we have in the West an almost total lack of persecution – although, praise God, this is changing. Apparently, one of the things that absolutely infuriated the Romans as they persecuted the early church was that the Christians being lined up for slaughter started singing their hymns !! I have a feeling that one of the things that infuriates Satan today is our praise and worship. He cannot stand for us to praise God in ALL our circumstances. This was perhaps why persecution was so savage in the old days. It also speaks volumes that the church grew, and continues to grow today, wherever there is persecution.

God looks at our hearts. I believe that, when He sees our preparedness for persecution, then He will send revival.

Just a thought.