This is not the first difficult time in history. Remember the book of Judges ended with everyone doing what was right in their own eyes. Boaz still served the Lord, and God sent Ruth from Moab to become his wife. But the world went from bad to worse.
How do we measure the depths of desperation? Perhaps the key is to look at spiritual leaders and the people of God. In the days when Samuel was born, Eli, the high priest had wicked sons. Hophni and Phineas were supposed to succeed their dad as spiritual leaders of Israel. Meanwhile visions from God were rare. Things were looking bleak for the people of God.
Enter a praying person named Hannah. She cried out to God for a child. He gave her a boy who would become a man of God. Growing up in the Tabernacle, he learned to listen for God's voice. Because he heard God clearly, he spoke for God powerfully. Revival may begin with one person who sincerely prays.
After rearing three kids and baptizing hundreds, I write as one who listens daily for God's voice. God's answer for our wicked world lies in a new generation of kids who know God, listen for his voice, and speak the truth. This is more important than anything else we can teach our kids. It will serve them better than a trophy or report card or great career or wealth. Let's teach the children to know God.
