Awakening to Our Calling

Transforming Cities with God's Love

Recently, I had the incredible privilege of witnessing a powerful demonstration of unity among the Church at Awakening Australia in Brisbane.

Words: John Robertson Read: 0 - 5 mins Published: 9 October 2024

It was a week filled with stories of transformation—over a thousand people came to know Jesus, many were healed, delivered, and set free from addictions, and hundreds were baptised. This awakening is not just about the Church; it’s about society recognising that there is a God who loves them deeply.

The Call to Reach our City

As I stood in the heart of Brisbane, I was struck by the sheer number of people searching for meaning, often in the wrong places. Our cities are bustling with life, yet they are also places of brokenness and need. The urbanisation we see is not something we can escape, and if we fail to reach our cities with the gospel, we risk failing to reach the world. Cities hold the key to cultural influence and transformation.

Beyond Personal Needs

One of the greatest challenges we face is resisting the temptation to view our faith solely through the lens of personal needs. While God does care for our individual concerns, He calls us to a broader mission. We are not meant to live in a bubble, isolated from the world’s needs. Instead, we are called to engage with society, to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), and to reflect God’s love to those around us.

Learning from Sodom and Jerusalem

The story of Sodom serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of godly presence. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God to spare the city if even ten righteous people can be found. Unfortunately, Sodom was destroyed because such people were lacking. Ezekiel 16:49-50 reveals that Sodom’s sin was not just about immorality but also arrogance, overindulgence, and neglect of the poor and needy.

Similarly, in Isaiah 59:14-21, God expresses His displeasure with Jerusalem’s lack of justice and truth. He sought even one person who would stand for righteousness. This highlights the importance of our presence and action in our communities.

Bridging the Gap: Our Role in God's Plan

God’s invitation to us is clear: He desires to use His people as agents of change in our communities. The presence of selfless, godly individuals can transform cities, bringing hope and healing where there is despair. This is not just a call to passive observation but to active participation in God’s work. We are called to stand in the gap, to be the hands and feet of Jesus and the demonstration of the Spirit’s power in a world that desperately needs His love.

Our actions, motivated by compassion and empowered by the Holy Spirit, can make a tangible difference. As we align our hearts with God’s heart, we become conduits of His grace and mercy. This is not a task for the faint-hearted but for those willing to step out in faith and trust in God’s power to work through them.

Action Points: Being the Change
  1. Pray for Our Cities: Begin by praying for your city, community, and neighbours. As we pray, our hearts become aligned with God’s heart for the lost and broken. This softens us to be used by Him.

 

  1. Engage with the Community: Look for opportunities to serve and meet the needs of those around you. Whether it’s volunteering at a local community service, supporting community initiatives, or simply being a listening ear, our actions can reflect God’s love.

 

  1. Stand Against Injustice: Be aware of the social issues in your community and seek ways to address them. This might involve advocating for the vulnerable, supporting businesses that offer a new start to those in need, or participating in local government discussions.

 

  1. Live Out the Gospel: Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Share your faith with others, not just through words but through actions that demonstrate His love and compassion.
The Power of a Few

God is looking for a few righteous people to stand in the gap, to be His agents of change in our cities. As we humble ourselves, repent, and seek His face, we can be part of a revival that transforms our communities. The early Church in Acts saw thousands come to faith because they lived out their calling with passion and purpose.

Let’s be those people who stand up and say, “Here I am, Lord, use me.” Together, empowered by His Spirit, we can bring light to the darkest places and see our cities transformed by His love.

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