Such a Time as This

For some time, it has felt as though the world is dying. We’ve seen increased rates of depression, suicide, homelessness, murder, and violence, among countless other issues. Some days it feels like the end times. 

But.  

Revival is here. 

Asbury University in Wilmore, KY has hosted a 24 hour, almost two-week-long service of praise and worship. The service started on February 8th, 2023, and has continued day and night since then. It has recently been decided by Kevin Brown, Asbury President, that the public service will conclude on Monday, February 20th at 2 PM. But it won’t end there. Services will continue for students and young adults as the community tries to find a suitable location for the general public.  

Thousands of people have flocked to Wilmore after hearing about the revival taking place. It was speculated that anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 people swarmed to the community to join in the joy and worship.  

The fire continues to spread. Cedarville University, Samford University, and Lee University are just a few of the many Christian colleges that are breaking out in continuous services of praise and prayer.  

So, why is it a revival?  

These displays of praise come from repentance. Students and communities are pouring their hearts out to God, asking for forgiveness, and running straight to Him. They are devoting their entire hearts, minds, and bodies to worshiping God.  

Jacob Coyne, a Christian public figure, writes online, “If you seek revival you’ll get a performance. But if you seek Jesus you’ll get a revival.” 

What’s happening at Asbury University isn’t a show. It’s not a conference or a place to get hyped up about faith. It is a showcase of genuine surrender to the merciful Creator. We want revival for our community, our nation, and our world, but we can’t chase the action. We must chase the One. 

In a world that feels dim and filled with evil, we’ve gotten a glimpse of heaven through Asbury University.