Ever since my fellowship group started the Campus Renewal prayer guide, I thought revival would come soon to our campus. I imagined one day where there would be so many people encountering God and committing their lives to Him, that everyone would lift up their hands in praise.
The truth is, though, I become lost from time to time in waiting for God and struggle with perseverance most days. It is difficult for me to learn that lesson. I keep asking God for a 24/7 campus prayer house, and again and again I receive the same answer that I should wait for Him.
One day it dawned on me, even though we can start a physical location as a prayer house and organize some events, it is beyond any human’s capacity to stir hearts to respond. People might be open to pray at a specific event, but a 24/7 prayer house? It sounds too crazy for most of us. Even in the email group prayer I’m a part of where we go through the prayer guide, not everyone participates or is consistent in prayer. Everyone has busy schedules and competing commitments, and the more I think about it, the more I get discouraged.
Encouragement From His Word
A few weeks ago, it was my turn to lead the email prayer, and the topic was about perseverance. The scripture shared in the prayer guide was Luke 18: 7-8:
“So don’t you think God will surely give justice to His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on the earth who have faith?”
It was the same scripture I had read during my personal devotional time. I realize that God heard every word we prayed. He will not be pleased with me if I lack faith in my prayer. I was encouraged by His word and continued the daily prayer, but a few days later, I slipped back to daily routines and became lost in academic stress and student ministry work.
Encouragement From Campus Renewal
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from Campus Renewal. They connected me with a lady at the University of Illinois at Chicago who is a campus minister and is on fire for God. Her ministry supports Northeastern Illinois University, Lindenwood University, Northwestern University, Columbia College and other community colleges such as Truman and Moraine Valley.
When I learned that she shares the same passion to join the nationwide spiritual revival movement, I burst into tears. I thought God had forgotten my desire and passion. I thought I was the only person on fire holding on to my crazy idea. Suddenly His word came to my heart, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth,” (Psalm 46:10).
Encouragement From a Christian Book
I enjoy reading Christian books because they are sources of different nutrients for my soul. I also use them as my prayer guides in my spare time. I enjoy knowing God more and meditating on how great He is.
Andrew Murray is my favorite Christian writer. I remember him talking in one of his books about the perfect heart in God. He states that the essence of faith is that we allow God to be God. We rely on Him and trust Him to fulfill His will and promises. With such faith, a heart is perfect in God’s sight because it depends only on God with no other object of confidence and desire. When I read this, I immediately put aside the book and began praying. I repented for my struggle and lack of faith, and expressed my longing to have a perfect heart for God. Then I was released from my anxiety and felt His peace again.
So my prayer is that I can rest in His presence and trust Him to fulfill His will and promises. Even in the most ordinary days, even in busy daily routines, I can fix my eyes on Him and wait for Him.
Xue (Jane) Yang is a graduate student studying Human Resource Development at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also serves as a student leader for International Christian Fellowship, a ministry of InterVasity, on her campus.
Jenn Lee
9 years agoThanks for sharing
Jane Yang
9 years agoMy pleasure! I hope my struggle can show how awesome and faithful God is! 😛
Jeremy Story
9 years agoYour honesty is refreshing and I know what you wrote will help lots of people. Remember to persevere at all times. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow to remind us that many times we have to persevere in prayer. We all feel discouraged sometimes in prayer and other times we feel exhilarated. This is normal for everyone. I am so encouraged by your courage and your transparency.
Jane Yang
9 years agoThank you!!!! I am encouraged by your feedback too!! To be honest, I am not a good writer and not good at keeping record of things. But I think writing for campus renewal also reminds me how good God is and He will use my little faith and desire to help many more. A long way to go. Reading other’s articles, I also realize that I am not alone. So many of us actually are in the same journey experience. 🙂
Jane Yang
9 years agoThank you for your encouragement!! 🙂