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Oct 07, 2025 06:00am

Five Things to Remember in Nationwide Movements of God

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Most of us have never seen a spiritual awakening that has touched an entire nation. Some of us were young, but mightily shaped in the Jesus movement of 70’s. God is moving now in unprecedented ways, for which we have prayed for 50 years.

If God sends a mighty, sweeping revival (in the church) and spiritual awakening (among the lost) in our day, we would be wise and be helped by remembering five important truths:

1. SURPRISING, MASSIVE MOVEMENTS OF GOD ARE NECESSARY.

We know this must be so because GOD KEEPS BRINGING THEM! He did it all through church history. Our nation has seen at least five nationwide movements, occurring every 30-60 years, to bring a needed course correction and accelerate the work of God. This is easily historically provable. Every true Christian is thankful for the day-to-day walk of the Christian life and the church, but we long for more … for God to “rend the heavens and come down” in a great outpouring.

2. SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS ARE ALWAYS GLORIOUS AND MESSY AT THE SAME TIME.

Genuine awakenings are miraculous interventions from God, both in kind and in number. In the First Great Awakening, 15% of the entire population of the United States came to faith in Christ. (Today’s equivalent would be over 50 million people coming to faith over the next few years!)

In the 1857-58 Prayer Revival, one million came to faith in brief order from a population of 30 million. 100,000 came to Christ in 9 months in the small principality of Wales in 1904-1905 and it spread around the world, mightily touching America as well. Twenty years later, 80% of those Welsh believers were still in the churches and walking with God.

But also, why would we expect to not see Satan’s imitations and distractions? Surely, he would try to use false prophets and even unbelievers to try to thwart the activity of God. We should not be surprised at this. We must be open-hearted but “examine everything carefully.” Wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

3. THERE ARE SURPRISING LEADERS AND SURPRISING CRITICS.

God chose to use a 26-year Bible college student in the Welsh Revival. Jonathan Edwards was in his early 30’s in the First Great Awakening. Asahel Nettleton, who some estimate saw 30,000 come to Christ through his work in the 2nd Great Awakening, was 17 years old when the Awakening began in 1800. The Jesus Movement of the 70’s (of which some of us participated) was fueled greatly by college students, many of whom have been spiritual leaders across our nation for the last 50 years.

4. THERE ARE THEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES, BUT GOD MEETS ALL WHO RESPOND IN SIMPLE SURRENDER AND FAITH

Jonathan Edwards, a mighty theologian, was compelled to write to silence the critics of the First Great Awakening who reacted to what they considered “excesses.” A wise leader will never deviate from the infallible Word of God but will also recognize true passion and piety when he sees it and love and embrace the fervor of new, young believers. There is a humble balance needed.

It would seem to me that we must be careful not to be instant critics, claiming that everything must pass through our very narrow grid … but gracious, kind men and women of God who come alongside, if needed, and explain the way of God more fully to young believers. But also, we should stand back in awe of the boldness and courage of the early adopters … and learn from them.

It’s amazing the men and women God has used through history, with all their weaknesses. If we do not recognize God’s mercy in using any of us, we should go stand before Him for a while … and repent.

And finally …

5. REVIVALS AND AWAKENINGS CAN BE MISSED AND NEVER EXPERIENCED BY ANY WHO QUENCH AND GRIEVE GOD’S SPIRIT.

I personally watched this happen in the Jesus movement. Some pastors instantly reacted, condemning the “hippies” who were being saved and who brought their guitars into worship. Instead of welcoming, discipling, and lovingly helping, they were instant in their judgments and missed the activity of God. I can think of no greater tragedy. It’s a serious thing to quench the Spirit by “despising,” i.e., to treat lightly, ignore, disregard, what God is saying (1 Thess. 5:19-22).

God seems to be moving in extraordinary ways—ways we have prayed and longed for across decades. Those of us who have known Christ for a bit and perhaps have been called to serve Him must realize it is our task now to humbly, carefully, and gracefully help steward and shepherd His work, for gracious shepherding is always needed. Those who are new to the faith would be wise to seek the counsel of truly godly leaders who’ve gone before. But also, we must all stand back in awe and see the salvation of God and aggressively cooperate with His activity.

Father, help us discern the false from the true, but follow You with boldness and faith and instant obedience. Help us be slow to judge and quick to encourage and disciple. And, above all else … God send sweeping revival and awakening to our nation and world for Your glory and the salvation of millions, and do not pass us by!

Bill Elliff, 9.24.25