At the end of the April conference—Soaring With God to Flourish—I overheard my friend, Rhoda Hildebrand say something on the order of, “This is revival.”
Much has been spoken and written about revival that has recently come through worship. I do not disagree with that notion at all. I also agree with Rhoda that worship is not the only vehicle by which God brings revival. I believe it comes through one on one time with the Lord and any event that help you go deeper in your relationship with Him. That is what the conference was all about.
When I asked Rhoda if she would be willing to write out what she said (I only heard one sentence) she graciously agreed not only to write it, but also to have it published here.
Here is The Craftsmen Terrify by Rhoda Hildebrand
The Craftsmen Terrify
Revival relating to purpose reminds me of this verse in Zachariah 1:21. It reads as follows:
“These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head, but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.”
In this scripture God is asking the Jews to reconstruct the temple and bring restoration of His purposes.
A theme of restoration and revival relating to God’s purposes appears throughout the Bible and history in general.
Moses fulfills his purpose as a deliverer and God’s people cross in safety from their oppressors.
David brought down Goliath as a boy and the philistines, the oppressors of Israel flee.
Solomondedicates the temple he is called to build and God’s glory falls.
The apostle Paul’s letters from prison are doctrinal cornerstones.
Esther becomes queen, risks her life, and saves a nation.
Most importantly, Jesus’ death on the cross brings salvation from sin and death.
More recently, CS Lewis writes a fantasy series of books that bring the gospel alive to many.
Martin Luther tacks ninety-nine theses to a church door and world reformation results.
Gutenberg’s printing press makes the scripture available and starts a European Renaissance.
The examples are too numerous to recount.
The purpose in our lives operating under the better of grace in this time still brings restoration, revives us and others and shatters captivity.
During Deborah’s recent conference revival surrounded us in the teaching, music, the connections, and the stories.
The conference brought revival to our purpose and destiny.
This is true revival, the revival of destiny and purpose that terrifies and shatters captivity and restores at the same time.