When Revival Looks Different

Today’s church service was themed Youth Revival.

The youth worship team led with passion, and five young people shared how God has moved in their lives. They were between 12 and 21. It was inspiring to see them speak with such confidence and faith.

But as I watched them, I felt something I didn’t expect.

I felt jealous. I felt disappointed.

And here’s what I want to say about that:

I don’t believe every feeling I have is meant to be celebrated or embraced without question. I believe we are called to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.

So instead of just sitting with that emotion, I brought it to Jesus.

I said, Lord, this is where I’m at. I don’t want to compare. I don’t want to let jealousy take root. I want to see things the way You see them. Show me Your truth in this.

And as I laid that feeling before Him, I was reminded of something deeper:

My daughter is 15. Because of her special needs, her life may not look like the kids on stage. She may not share a testimony in front of a crowd. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t moving in her life.

He is.

Maybe revival in her life won’t be loud or seen by many.

Maybe it looks like small moments of joy after a hard day.

Maybe it’s quiet progress no one else notices.

Maybe it’s the tender, steady growth of faith in her heart.

I still believe God is writing a beautiful story for her.

It may not look like someone else’s. But it’s no less sacred.

So I won’t let comparison rule me.

I will take that thought captive.

I will trust the Shepherd who walks with both of us.

And to the parent who might be listening or reading this, I want to remind you:

God hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t overlooked your child. He’s just doing something different. And it is good.