Revival that spreads rapidly often–if not exclusively–is a result of persecution and/or efforts at the very least suppressing God’s people.

The Carto, a bustling street in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem is a perfect example of this reality. The Romans were hellbent on eliminating the Jewish people, their culture and their cities. What’s amazing, and only something God could do, is the Jewish people not only survived, they actually thrived. You could experience this with your own eyes if you walked down the street of Cardo!

In our comfortable American culture, many of us (yes, that includes me!) are distracted by our material blessings and the wonderful freedom the Lord has granted us, and therefore praying for revival can sadly sit on the back burner. Then when you add to the thought of severe persecution being the catalyst for revival, one certainly has to take a step back from self-centered ways.