What would happen if women from many different churches in an area gathered together to worship the Lord and focus on their relationship with Him? I have an incredible burden to see personal revival experienced in the lives of others throughout our world. Where can we begin? Well, there is no question that the Lord is stirring in the hearts of women. I’ve been a director of women’s ministries for the last 7 1/2 years. Then, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at women’s retreats and conferences throughout the United States. As I’ve had such incredible experiences serving with women I’ve seen such an amazing depth of spiritual maturity. God is at work in the lives of women. Statistics have actually shown and even declared that women are the backbone of the church in America. I believe it. I’ve been told by publishers that the majority of Christian books that are purchased are bought by women. All of this causes me to believe that if women everywhere could join together, intent on the purpose of personal spiritual revival, then the way would be open for God to do a mighty work in and through us to impact our generation with the gospel of Jesus. A number of years ago Quiet Time Ministries conducted a women’s revival gathering at our church here in Palm Desert. It was so powerful that we did it three years in a row. After that, I began wondering what would happen if we took these women’s revival gatherings to other areas outside of Palm Desert. Enter dear Kris Williamson, director of Women’s Ministries at Carlsbad Community Church. She said, “Catherine, we’d like to host a women’s revival gathering at our church.” After much prayer, I said, “okay, let’s go for it.” As I continued to pray, the Lord began to give me an incredible picture of this new aspect of Quiet Time Ministries. And a name for us even came to my mind: Women Of Revival. Oh, dear friends, you cannot imagine how excited I am about this. In this picture is our Quiet Time Ministries team who are also participating in Women Of Revival (from left to right): Conni Hudson, Kelly Abeyratne, Kayla Branscum, Myra Murphy, me, Paula Zillmer, Cindy Clark, and Shirley Peters.)
And so, yesterday we gathered at Carlsbad Community Church with 160 leaders from churches all over southern California from Manhattan Beach to Tustin to San Diego. Oh what a time we had together. Conni Hudson shared about her passion for quiet time, Kelly Abeyratne shared about her passion for prayer, Shirley Peters shared about her passion for the Word of God, and I shared about personal, spiritual revival. It was a powerful time together. I cast the vision for our Women Of Revival Conference on March 17, 2007 - the theme is “Set My Heart On Fire”. Oh what a response we had - we had one church in another area express interest in having us come and do a conference in their area. The Lord is doing something. I am actually quite amazed - not that God is doing powerful things - I know that He always does more than we can ask or imagine. But this is coming from an unexpected direction. I did not expect the Lord to give me this idea of Women of Revival. And I just did not expect such doors to open in amazing ways. I am excited to challenge women to be Women of Revival with a fourfold commitment: a commitment to radical intimacy with the Lord, a commitment to the authority of God and His Word, a commitment to living in the power of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to personal spiritual revival through quiet time with God in His Word and in prayer including prayer for revival throughout the world. I wonder how many women throughout the world have this kind of commitment. I think A LOT!!! And oh, what God can do with women such as this. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. See what it’s all about at Women Of Revival.
How fitting it was after our day was at an end for me to walk out of the restaurant where we all had a great meal together and watch the sunset on the beach in Carlsbad, California. I talked with the Lord about the day. I told Him how amazing He is. And how privileged I am to serve Him and follow Him. I look forward to this next year. I have two books coming out this year. And the Women of Revival conference. And a BUNCH of other opportunities to speak at conferences and retreats throughout the United States. It truly is, as I always say, the great adventure of knowing Him. Lots of hills and valleys, but the view is breathtaking.
This morning I woke up at about 5:30 am and went out to the living room area where I am staying. I turned the gas fireplace on and just sat with the Lord. Then I looked out the window and noticed that it seemed as though there was light but it wasn’t yet time for the sun to rise. What was it? I opened the shades and what I saw took my breath away - it was the full moon shimmering on the ocean. Oh, it was spectacular. I turned all the lights off and just communed with the Lord. I thanked Him for His power. I wondered that He would even give me such an opportunity to be up here to challenge these women to draw near to Him. I am so incredibly humbled to be here. Do you know all the men and women of God who have spoken at retreats here - such ones as J. Vernon McGee, Dr. Walvoord, Kay Arthur, and one of my very favorites, Alan Redpath who wrote The Making Of A Man Of God. Wow! Needless to say, I am excited to be here! This morning I will speak on “Will You Dance With Him.” Oh how I pray that the Lord by His Holy Spirit will ignite our hearts to not just walk but dance with Him!