When God Visited America

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.  You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways.” Isaiah 64:4-5 (NIV)

It began in the year 1734.  The Puritan’s longing for a place to establish a society built on Christian ideals had not materialized. By the early 1700’s, drunkenness, immorality, and every vice imaginable had taken over the American colonies. Public officials were corrupt and churches were weak and ineffective. Jonathan Edwards, a powerful preacher who was used mightily by God, notes that two young people in his town died suddenly, causing many to wonder about their eternal destiny.  In addition to this, a young woman, described as one of the greatest “company keepers” in town was dramatically saved.  Her changed life had a profound effect on the community.  Add to these events the fervent prayer of a few faithful pastors and church people and you have a recipe for revival.  God visited America in a series of revivals that transformed our nation.  He used men like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Charles and John Wesley to carry His message of repentance to the people. During the peak of the Awakening, 1740-1742, between 25,000-50,000 people were converted out of a population of 300,000!  Nothing is too difficult for God!