There’s a pattern woven throughout human history and the story of God’s people: renewal almost always follows crisis.
That may seem backward to us. We crave comfort, order, predictability. But Scripture and history tell a different story. When everything stable is shaken—when the idols of culture, self-reliance, or prosperity begin to crumble—something holy begins to stir.
Mark Sayers, in a recent conversation with John and Blaine Eldredge, described this beautifully: “Crisis precedes renewal every time.” From the Great Awakenings to modern revival movements, spiritual renewal is often birthed in moments of deep disillusionment, cultural upheaval, and personal suffering.
Why?
Because crisis exposes the truth. It reveals what we’ve trusted in—and how fragile those things really are. It creates a gap, a vacuum in the soul, and in that gap, God can finally be heard. We become open in our desperation. The illusion of control fades, and hunger for something real—eternal—emerges.
We’re living in such a moment now. Pandemic, war, economic instability, political distrust, and rapid cultural change have all created uncertainty. But underneath the chaos, something else is happening: people are waking up. Especially the next generation. Gen Z, often labeled apathetic or lost, is showing signs of spiritual hunger—Bible sales are up, church attendance is rising, and conversations about meaning and God are increasing.
This is not just a crisis—it’s an invitation.
So don’t lose heart. Don’t run from the tension. Ask God: What are You doing in this shaking? Where are You moving? How can I join You?
Sometimes, when everything else fails, we finally realize He is all we truly need—and that’s where renewal begins.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
Let’s stay awake to what God is doing. He’s not absent in the storm—He’s preparing the ground for awakening.
With hope,
And that’s the mid-week memo. Steve
