RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as I’ve traveled the world is that of God’s sovereign authority. In many countries where I’ve ministered, the Christian community is poor in material possessions but rich in spiritual power and authority. It seems as though Christians in the West have reversed that situation. I’ve often considered how that has happened.
I believe one of the major problems is that we’ve developed an overdependence on technology, talent, and riches — rather than a dependence on God. The greatest evidence of our condition is found at our prayer meetings. We can draw big crowds to our Christian meetings. All we have to do is bring in a well-known musician, movie star, or some kind of superstar. But if we issue a call for people to pray, we find our meeting places empty.
Darkness seems to be engulfing western civilization. Yet I’ve been in countries where God is working mightily. Christians in those nations don’t have the privilege of Christian radio or television. They lack access to many Christian books. But they do have one thing many of us are lacking: vision. Their commitment to pray and seek the face of God takes priority. Consequently, they have come to know God’s Sovereign Authority.
Isaiah of the Old Testament had a vision of God. The Scriptures say, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). Isaiah not only had a vision of God, but he also saw Him sitting on His throne. True authority and power are at the throne of God. Real authority and power are not in Washington, D.C., London, Moscow, or any of the world’s capitals. They are at the throne of the Living God. That’s why prayer is so vitally important. Prayer gives us access to that seat of authority. We will find that only God’s power and authority will be able to turn the tide of immorality and spiritual apathy in our nation.
If we are to experience a mighty, sweeping revival, I am convinced we must return to our spiritual roots. Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on the throne. What’s your vision?