It would seem of late as though the only way one might be validated is if they have either had and are still having supernatural experiences or are being used to bring about such experiences in others. There can be an addiction to spiritual highs. I enjoy the spiritual highs as much as the next person. They are exciting!
But what about those who are in the midst of struggle?
What about those who feel very distant from God right now?
Seventy disciples had been sent out two by two by Jesus. When they met with Jesus they reported how demons were subject to them in His name and were all excited about it Jesus said in:
Luke 10:20 “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.”
Jesus gave them something constant to rejoice in because men of God have their mountain top experiences as well as their valley experiences and both spiritual experiences have their place and purpose in our lives. We all love the spiritual high times when we feel most like we have it together as we should, but they are not the constant in our lives, nor are the valley experiences, thank God.
It is the valley experience that gives validation to the idea of personal revival in the first place. The fact that I can struggle and need God can be a good thing. But there has been a strange ideology sweep through Christianity that implies that the less dependent upon God we become, the better off we are. Some propose it is Christian maturity. The fact is you and I need grace just as much today as we did when we came to Christ at the first.
Paul the Apostle boasted in his weaknesses because it was through those weaknesses that Christ was made strong. When Paul was in weakness and something was accomplished there was no mistaking it was Jesus who made it possible, the idea that others would have to acknowledge Jesus was doing it thrilled Paul.
Life has a way of making us feel numb sometimes. It has a way of beating on us until we begin to wonder if we are conscious or not. It can come at us so fast that we wonder what to do next.
It is in these weak moments that we least expect God will use us to do anything. It is in these types of moments that we, based on our feelings, feel far away from God. It is at these times that we question whether we can hear clearly from the Lord or not. We wrestle with ourselves and with the principalities. Sometimes we become disappointed and find ourselves tempted or even giving into sin in some area.
How can we ever be restored?
How can we who are in such despair get free?
Where is personal revival for those of us who feel as though we have forgotten what it means to walk with Jesus?
I can promise you this. The prescription for restoration, for healing, for a fresh start, and for empowerment from God, is the same for all of us no matter where we find ourselves.
If you are in this condition and needy today I have good news for you, there is hope! There is an answer!
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
