You should be in church. Then, you should teach Sunday School. You should be in the choir. You should …fill in the blank here.
Did you notice all of the shoulds? It’s one thing to want to do something. It’s another thing to feel that you should or that you just have to. Let me explain.
In 1904, the country of Wales experienced an amazing phenomenon. It has become known as the Welsh Revival. Newspapers reported the outbreak and the results. Here are a few:
Soul winning spread through the coal mines. Profane swearing stopped. Even the miners’ horses were confused when their masters stopped cursing. They did not recognize the new, kinder commands. Bible verses covered the doors down in the mines. Coal miners crowded into prayer meetings that lasted till 3:00 a.m. and then washed, ate breakfast, and returned to work.
In 1905 the London Times reported that huge crowds were attending the meetings.
On January 11th The Times noted that David Lloyd-George, who later became the British Prime Minister, said the Welsh revival gave hope “that at the next election Wales would declare with no uncertain sound against the corruption in high places…” Lloyd-George…also said in one town the tavern sold only 9 cents worth of liquor drinks on Saturday night!
The Times observed that people had “gathered at crowded services for six and eight hours at a time. Political meetings and even football matches were postponed…quarrels between trade-union workmen and non-unionists had been made up…”
According to the Times on February 2nd, 1905, many men abandoned dens of iniquity. Employers noticed a great improvement in the work produced by their employees. A judge named Sir Marchant Williams said that his work was much lighter especially regarding drunkenness and related offenses.
At Bangor University “only a third or fourth of the students attending some of the classes… Beginning with a spontaneous outburst of praise and prayer among the men students, the movement spread…at a united prayer meeting…some…broke down sobbing.”
Here is the thought for today. Many well meaning people have vision and passion for how the church, a ministry, and it’s attendees or members should work. But sadly, the hearts of many believers just aren’t there. What you need to know is that prior to this revival, thousands of prayer circles had been covering Wales for about 18 months. The revival did not inspire hearts. Preaching and programs did not draw the people. The many and committed prayers prior resulted in a moving of the Holy Spirit. Which in turn resulted in packed churches and changed lives. Those people just “had” to go. And that is what “should” happen to be sure. If you are praying for revival, pray on. And let the Spirit lead.
S.
