The West is a bit like a tree that looks strong from the outside, but yet has rotted within and is hollowed out. It retains the illusion of strength – but look not to the outside, rather see what has happened on the inside. When the storm passes this tree will be laid low, and the pride and arrogance that goes alongside our cultural hegemony will be no more.

The important question is, how much have we as the Church unconsciously taken on our cultures assumed strength? Quite a bit I suggest. Revelation 3 v17 is written for those with ears to hear.

You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

A Romanian pastor once said, “95% of believers pass the test of persecution, while 95% of believers fail the test of prosperity.” Many of the things we consider blessings have in fact become to us snares.

How often do we trust, truly trust, in the grace of Christ?

 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

We have no ‘need’ of His Grace, therefore neither do we know His Power. And it is only that power that can turn around hearts – of people, communities and nations.

I pray that we would have our eyes opened to see our true poverty. For it is only in that realisation that we will come to a full understanding of who and whose we are meant to be. And only then can we fulfill His purposes for us at this time.

I have faith that He will do this. He will build His Church – the gates of hell will not prevail. But I harbour no illusions that this will be easy. No, it is the battle of our generation, to birth His Church from the often moribund and atrophied structures that have claimed the name.

Don’t you have a saying, “It’s still four months until harvest”? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

May the Lord send us as reapers into those fields.