Because of the extraordinary way that the Humboldt accident has touched the nation, the Ears to Hear Network gathered for a special meeting on April 21 to discern what God is saying through this and how He would have us respond.
This is what we believe God is saying to us,
and to the Church of Canada:
While this tragedy was not caused by God, He is using what the enemy meant for evil and turning it into national good. He is taking our ashes of mourning and is turning them into a place for beauty. He is using this deep place of loss and brokenness as a platform for the name of Jesus and the power of His gospel.
The scriptures that Pastor Sean Brandow preached from at the nationally televised Humboldt prayer vigil are indeed words for the nation.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me" Ps 23:4
"He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" Ps 32:18
These words apply in Humboldt as the epicenter, but also in all the places that death and brokenness are right now touching the Church of Canada, be that at a very personal level or in more corporate ways. This is a call to follow the Lord through the valley of the shadow of death and to embrace brokenness, weakness, and humility. To make room for Him to save us, rather than us trying to save ourselves. This is an hour for walking out John 12: 23-26, which means to follow Jesus into His way of multiplying, His way to abundant fruitfulness- laying down his life.
Unless a Grain of Wheat Dies
"And Jesus answered them, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.'' Jn 12:23-26
The call in this passage is to "hate our life", which we understand to be a call to die to the things of self, embracing instead a tenderized and repentant spirit. Choosing a lifestyle that quickly turns from all sinful thoughts, actions, or motives that the Lord brings to the light (Rev 12:11). It is walking in the fear of the Lord and trembling at His word (Isa 66:2).
The Key is Humility - and Boldness
We are hearing that the key to the next revival is authentic and deep humility, where the name of Jesus is given the spotlight, the platform, and the honour. But it is also about boldness, so there is an invitation to steward this national moment where this tragedy has made new room for the name of Jesus, for prayer and the honouring of scripture in the public square. It is a time for embracing brokenness but also stepping into a bold testifying of the gospel of Jesus. It is truly a gospel moment. Although political correctness has sought to silence the voice of the Church, the Father is calling us to be free from the fear of man. Even the name of the little town of Humboldt has struck many, as God has highlighted the embedded words of "humble" and "bold".
A Time of Second Chances
A young survivor of the accident, whose neck and back were broken, declared that "God has given me a second chance". We believe that this is also a word to many in the nation, we are in a time of second chances for prodigals, backsliders and nominal Christians where many will turn to become wholehearted followers of Christ.
Toronto
As we were drafting this word, the terrible attack in Toronto has just happened, underscoring even further the shaking that is happening in our nation. Let us grieve with those who grieve, pray for their comfort, but boldly cry out for the breakthroughs of life and redemption in this hour.
Fill the Closets with Prayer
Rather than initiating a mobilized response, our Network believes the Lord is drawing the Canadian Church into deep times of personal prayer. May this be a season of re-activating personal prayer closets. These are some of the needs we believe He desires we bring before Him:
- Pray for the Church in Canada to cultivate Christ-like humility
- Pray for an increase of Jesus receiving the glory, the spotlight, the honour
- Pray for all intimidation to be stripped off of the Church and for us to receive boldness to speak God's word, and share His gospel
- Pray for those who have wandered from the Father, that they would find this is a time for a glorious second chance
- Pray for Church would embrace dying to self so that the life of Christ would rise and be multiplied in us
- Pray for the Church in Humboldt to be comforted and empowered by God's grace to serve their community with the goodness of Jesus. May they walk in supernatural unity and love.
- Pray for the Church surrounding the attack in Toronto, that they as well would find extraordinary grace to minister God's love.
