On November 11, 2009 the “palpable” glory of God descended on a class at IHOP University, and remained for 15 long hours. My close friend Kayley was there, and she said it was unlike anything she had ever known before. Since that day healings and deliverances have continued almost nightly at the IHOP community. Interestingly, this outbreak of power is being called an “awakening.”

     It could very well be that the IHOP renewal, if it grows and spreads during this new year, could become a national or international awakening similar to the movement that marked the 1700's. This may simply be speculation, but as I study the prophetic revelations people are sharing throughout the Church, it seems that an awakening is surely impending upon this country. Such a mighty outpouring could indeed eclipse the Azusa Street Revival.

     Awakening has been the heart cry of believers from nearly every sector of Christianity lately, and many are actively pursuing it. Rodney Howard-Browne, Billye Brim, Dutch Sheets, and the Awaking America Alliance are only a few names of those who have been placing a heavy emphasis on the need for this sort of spiritual enlightenment in the United States. Numerous other voices are projecting that a wave of supernatural joy – such as was released in the 1990's – is going to wash over this land again in 2010. Both the joy and the heart for awakening seem to be playing a major part in the events at IHOP right now.

     If Awakening is loosed across this nation right away, we must not make the mistake of thinking that such a blessing is the end of God's plans for the Body of Christ. There are other heavy promises that the Lord has given in recent decades which must also be fulfilled. For instance, in 1988 Rick Joyner started getting impressions about a future civil war that would erupt in the Church. He says it will result in a radical re-definition of Christianity. Likewise, Mike Bickle once heard the audible voice of God tell him that the understanding and expression of Christianity is going to dramatically change in one generation. Both of these insights seem to point toward an intense reformation taking place once more, which will no doubt be accompanied by much spiritual violence.

     I rejoice over the glorious miracles that seem so imminent, but I sense that such encouragements are not simply an answer to our prayers for a touch from Heaven. They are also a necessary form of preparation for the hardship that is going to come, when Jesus does a deeper work of cleansing and perfecting in His beloved Bride. It is a time to laugh, but also a time to be sober. There is still much that needs to be accomplished, and time is short before the return of our King.