Thank you Mike for sharing that. Yes, I pray that this pandemic will be used by God to get all people to examine their hearts and lives and seek after that which is unshakeable and lasting. Too long have we pursued our own way and pleasure. It has brought leanness unto our souls. The only way up is to first bring ourselves down into the dust of mourning and confession of sin and then repentance and drawing near unto God.
I, like you, have studied past revivals. Perhaps the biggest misconception is that revival is a time of fun, excitement and joy. Instead, I read how people cry out and wail in mourning about the state of their soul and great grieving and regret grips them. Only after much soul searching and being convicted and corrected by the Holy Spirit will such a soul find peace with God through turning from idols and turning to God as our source and supply. I also know that the loudest voices against revivals came from organized religionists. And then also the devil will sprinkle cranks and kooks among the audience to give the critics something to find fault with. Expect all of this to repeat this time also. But I do believe God will call to Himself a remnant and allow those not built upon the rock to see their sandcastle life slip beneath the waves. Heed the voice of God and let go of a life of buying and selling and living on autopilot.
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat; Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,”Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”; Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
— extra stanza —
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee. (Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past – Poem by C.T Studd)
-Daniel
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