Crying out for awakening

Recently I received a copy of “Firefall 2.0,” a revision of the classic book “Firefall” by SBC professors Malcolm McDow and Alvin Reid. This incredible book traces how God has shaped history through revivals. As I survey these pages my heart weeps for more than just a book knowledge of revival. Personally, I felt the latter winds of the Jesus Movement (a specialized awakening among the young people from the late 1960s through the early ‘70s), I have soaked in the radiance of God’s glory during special seasons of revival in my churches and I have had personal revivals of God’s presence in my life. Very few things have I yearned for more than widespread revival and awakening; however, a regional or national awakening remains elusive. 

Some of our more experienced pastors and people remember the Mid-Century Awakening among evangelicals during the 1940s and ’50s, but I am afraid that we are about to outrun those lengthening shadows. Recently, a pastor from a Messianic congregation in Dallas shared with our church that most of the leadership of the Messianic movement were converted during the Jesus Movement, but there were few young men stepping into ministry roles today. Unless they experience a fresh touch from God, they will outrun their shadow of awakening as well. How desperately we all need a fresh touch from the Lord. 

I encourage you to get a copy of “Firefall 2.0.” As you read it, you will be greatly encouraged to pray and thirst for awakening in our day. Might the spark for awakening be struck in our Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Our Bible Conference and our convention meetings this November will be a convocation geared toward crying out to God for spiritual awakening. Perhaps by the time our convention meetings arrive, God’s Spirit will have already broken out upon us in revival. May the fire fall.

Jesus is everything!