'97 Remembrances P4

All throughout my life and especially while in Bible College, I heard messages about 'revival'.  The thought process goes something like this...'all we need is a revival from God, if revival happens everything else will be great--revival is the answer that every church needs, and it will solve every problem when it comes.'

I would call that Myth #1:  Revival solves everything.

Myth #2:  Revival is something you chase but never expect to catch.  It is that mystical experience that is always just a bit out of reach.   Revival would happen if you would just pray more, sin less, or be intense enough to deserve it.

So let's deal with one myth at a time.  Myth #1:  Revival solves everything.

• When God begins to move, people get emotional, and things begin to change.  These are two things that many people who are used to a particular routine--do not like.  One of the things that I was not prepared for was this:  Some people will not like what revival brings with it. 
• Within the first few weeks of the impact moments following Jan 12, 1997--there was a somewhat sizable group of people who were standing in opposition to it.  Honestly, this was shocking to me.  I thought everyone would be happy for the souls being saved, and the people worshiping with abandon, and the lives that were being changed.  Not everyone was.
• This is actually the Biblical pattern that we see all through the gospels and in the book of Acts.  Where-ever miracles happened, opposition happened.  In every city where Paul visited in Acts, there was both revival and riot.  I did not expect that riot part.
• So while there were several hundred people that joined APC during that time, there were also 50 or so who left in strong opposition to the 'changes' that had occurred as a result. 

What I remember about that time was just how personally exhausted that I was.  We were meeting every night.  We were dealing with so many new baby christians.  I was 32 years old and trying to pastor this season of renewal.  And in the midst of all of it, I was trying to love people as they were opposing what was happening and as they were leaving the church. 

I remember one particular gathering that I was invited to attend at a home where 5 families had assembled to tell me as a group that they were leaving the church.  Many of these were close friends of mine.  It was a very hard night.

In my observation, there are two seasons when it seems that pockets of division and dissension arise within a church.

1. Just before the breakthrough comes.  Often the devil is trying to stir things up to break unity and keep back what God wants to accomplish.  With that attack comes a 'heaviness' on a church family.  Some people interpret that 'heaviness' as a sign that God has withdrawn his blessing, and that the leadership must be in the wrong.  Actually, that 'heaviness' is actually a sign that we need to push through in unity and in prayer.  Mature christians understand that and deal with that 'heaviness' in prayer.
2. Just after the breakthrough occurs.  This is the second moment when the devil attacks and tries to stir division.  He wants to snuff out the flame when it is in its infancy.  So anything good from God will always come with opposition.

Having lived through that season, I would say that it is totally worth it.  So many lives were transformed by what God was doing.  Was it perfect?  No.  Were there some things that I would do differently?  Yes.  Did it hurt to see people upset and divided?  Absolutely.  Was it worth the price?  Most definitely.

Now we wait for what God will do in 2007.  I know that God never does the same thing twice.  What is needed in 07 is different from what was needed in 97.  But I stand ready to follow Him into the next season of His working in my life.

Comments

[Karen Gianechini]

Reading your postings about our Holy Spirt 1997 meetings with the one and only Holy Spirit I have been praising God for His very real visitations those many glorious nights! I spent several nights singing on my knees unable to stand because His presence was so thick and real. I was bessed to be part of the praise team so I saw people changed by our Lord -trembling and sobbing ,laughing in the spirit--Jesus was so real! I long for our suddenly to come this week! Get the garbage cans out again in expectation -I know He is coming back! I will never forget those glorious days of 97-when we were all changed. Some nights we sang for two hours but it seemed like ten minutes while He was present. Those months were the best months of my life -just imagine what Heaven will be for us!