2020 was not just the beginning of a new decade. Because of the pandemic, our familiar world order has come apart at the seams. Many want to return to our old ways, but yesterday's world is never coming back.
Many of us try to explain the crisis with conventional ways of thinking, but traditional world views can often lead us astray.
In times when yesterday's ways no longer work, we see in the Bible that God often speaks through children or teenagers.
Mary was a teenager when she became the mother of Jesus.
Samuel was a young boy when he became a prophet.
A seemingly successful pastor of a large American church attended a charismatic event. A very young girl came up to him, put her hand on his head and spoke with amazing boldness.
"Lord, take the junk out of him!"
When the prominent pastor returned to his congregation, he was a very different man. So far he had built an active and well-organised church with his own abilities and spiritual gifts. He himself was the foundation stone of the congregation.
He recognised the pride and self-centredness of his Christian ministry, and he began to focus on Jesus and give the Holy Spirit free rein.
A lot of members left the church, but in a short time the church was much bigger than before.
When we try to solve new problems with conventional approaches, we become like ships without rudders, sailing helplessly in circles.
The preacher who sparked the Welsh revival in 1904 was a man of only 26, Evan Roberts. He was supported by a team of intercessors, four teenager girls.
Children and young people are often much more open to new ideas and revelations from God. We need this openness.
Very many Christians only want to believe and obey God when they understand God's guidance. Children often have an open heart. They can believe and obey even if they don't understand.
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 NKJV
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 NKJV
When the children hear directly from God, and explain things differently from our old way of thinking, we must take the children seriously. We must not stand in the way of the Holy Spirit.
One of the countless people raised up by God in the Welsh revival was a street preacher who was 15 years old.
She preached with such heavenly power that thousands of listeners took her seriously and were blessed. Among them were prominent businessmen and rejected prostitutes.
You will not find such testimonies in many books. History is often manipulated to promote religious traditions.
Where did I hear that? A few years ago we had a Welsh guest preacher in our church. She told wonderful stories about the Welsh revival.
The dramatic works of the Holy Spirit are often swept under the carpet, but those who seek will find.
