Isaiah 61: Day 17

"...and restore the places long devastated;" (Isaiah 61:4)

In the 1960’s, there was a youth revival in California. Through the ministry of Chuck Smith, the Holy Spirit led thousands of young people to give their lives to Jesus on the beaches. It eventually grew into Calvary Chapel, a network of churches that has spread across the world. 

Someone once asked Chuck Smith why it had happened. He responded, “It is God’s response to the tears of a million mothers.” That was generation had been devastated by sex without commitment, addiction to drugs and new kinds of idolatry. God was restoring these young people to a right relationship with him. 

When any person chooses to separate themselves from God, it breaks his heart. He waits with open arms and a kind smile for his children to return, like the father in the story that Jesus tells about the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32)

The vast majority of the current generation of students are lost. What I mean is that they have not been found by Jesus. Only he can comfort them in their distress, give them purpose in their searching and heal their pain. God longs to be their Heavenly Father and replace in the spiritual what was lacking in the physical. The Holy Spirit understands what they have been through and he wants to walk alongside them every day, as their friend and helper. 

We pray that this devastated, pained and lost generation of students is restored to a right relationship with God.

Are there areas in your life that have been devastated? Today is the day to invite God to restore that area. 

 

We invite you to join us as we journey slowly and prayerfully through Isaiah 61 - line by line over forty days.

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Luke Smith

National Team Leader (England & Wales)

Luke has worked with students in church for 20 years. He loves helping churches figure out how to reach students. He leads the Fusion team to keep them sharp and focused as they serve the local church.

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