This is something I have been thinking about for some time now. I really enjoyed davec's questions and dialogue with all of you and I am very sad to see that he left us. But, I think what saddens me the most is that I find my situation to be very much like his. Similar thinking, similar reasoning...similar heart yearning for a sign or to hear the voice of God. My prayer for a revival in my life was nearly a year ago. It was the same time that I found this website during a time of fasting. I must say...it has been quite a slow going.

Finally, for the crux of this post. What went wrong? I feel like davec was genuine in his search for the Truth. Why, in his quest for revival, did he become discouraged? How can I not become discouraged as well after seeing someone turned away from our faith? Why does it take so long for God to change a life when we all agree He can do it in an instant? I have always maintained my belief that if someone truly seeks God with an open heart and mind, he will not be disappointed. God will meet him halfway (or more even :P).

...come back davec.

10/16/2008 4:30:25 PM by XFrogger, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/13/2007

Yeah, I think about Dave all the time too. It breaks my heart the way he left - feeling abandoned by God with no desire left to try and reconcile. Part of me feels like if I had done a better job of explaining things, or if I had been more wise or compassionate, he would have come around. But I also know that only God moves mens hearts to reconciliation. He can work through us, and I prayed so often that He would, but in the end, if our best is not good enough then we have to entrust Dave to God's plan for Him. I want him to come back so badly and to tell us that his heart is on fire for God! I will pray for that right now. Will you all join me?

10/16/2008 8:58:41 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

I miss Dave also. I will stand in prayer with you.

10/17/2008 7:24:41 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Hi XFrogger,

I can totally relate to all you wrote in your first post. It is saddening to see people searching for revival (as you phrase it) and not experiencing the results they expected and then becoming disheartened and maybe even derailed.

You said:

How can I not become discouraged as well after seeing someone turned away from our faith? Why does it take so long for God to change a life when we all agree He can do it in an instant?

Those are sentiments we share in common. I think we also agree that the fight for revival is worth any effort. We can receive valuable support from others who also are familiar with this struggle. Sadly for Dave, he has separated himself from those who want to support him - however, lets wait and see what God will do with him.

I don't know much about your individual quest, so forgive me if I'm out of place with making a few assumptions. However, I'm wondering if God tests us by not quickly answering our desires for Him to move in our lives. Maybe God says, something like:

Okay, you say you want to love Me with all of your being. Let us see to what lengths you will seek Me if I'm not so readily found by your standards.

So, you say you will put nothing before Me. Now let us see how long that holds true when I appear to be a scarcity in your life.

If God were to test us in this manner, I am sure He already knows what our responses would be. The value in such a test would be for us to know, with the certainty that comes from experience, how we would perform. Thankfully, after days of testing are over, it clear that it is God who will supply all our needs.

I hope you feel supported by people at this site and will remain part of the effort to lend encouragement to others. I'm glad you are dedicated to staying in the fight for personal revival and I hope to soon hear what success is like, from your perspective.

10/18/2008 2:04:16 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

In times of prayer - whether I am begging God for clarity and connection or giving thanks for Him showing up in ways big or small - I make the same petitions on behalf of DaveC and the others I have met at DIJ who have shared similar travails. Many of you have supplied kind and skillful words to strengthen me in my journey with God, so I am honored and committed to join those who are praying for Dave. Most especially, I'm glad we have Jesus to intercede for Dave!

10/18/2008 2:08:39 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007