Our young people are looking for reality and for something to believe in. They won’t be moved with anything less. They are the hope of the future, a prophetic generation just ready to come forth into their destinies.
We can see on the daily news just how volatile the world is around us. In contrast with this prevalent crisis, the Bible tells us clearly what it will take to again capture the imagination of young people today.
Joan of Arc:
In the first part of the fourteenth century, a young French teenager named Joan of Arc, although an inexperienced warrior, inspired the entire French Army — something no king had been able to do.
The General replied, “Not one man is going to follow you over the wall.”
“I wouldn’t know, I don’t plan on looking back to check,” was her reply.
Every man followed her. Her courageous heroism and example delivered her country.
“Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, and yet they give their lives for that little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it, and then it’s gone. But to surrender what you are and to live without beliefs is more terrible than dying–even more terrible than dying young.”
The days of cosmetic Christianity are coming to an end. Laodecian Christians must decide whether they will be hot or cold, devoted or lukewarm. We need a renewed passion for God that give us a compassion for others. Genuine passion for God allows no room for compromise or mediocrity.
Like Joan of Arc, who as a teenager stood with courageous conviction, we must live with unshakable faith. Revival will be birthed not by convenience but by commitment—by men and women willing to lay down their lives for the Gospel.
A Word of Encouragement:
When Hannah poured out her heart in desperation, Eli said to her, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition” (1 Samuel 1:17).
That same encouragement is for us today. God will give us the strength to deliver if we rely on Him.
It is time to rise as strength-givers for this generation—to heal, affirm, and release men and women into their callings. It is time to see sons and daughters step into their destinies.
We stand on the threshold of a great awakening. The birth pangs have begun. Let us not faint at the moment of delivery. Let us press in with prayer, faith, love, and holiness so this generation may be delivered into the purposes of God.
(Extrapolated from a 2002 article by Doug Stringer)
