I’ve been watching (from afar) the unfolding story at Asbury University since hour 36 (currently on day 11). 

My voice on this subject doesn’t matter, but I think the posture of my heart on it does. 

I’m a mom of 2 GEN Z kids. I have prayed since before they were born that they would have tender hearts before Jesus. 

I have begged God in quiet hours on my knees that he would capture their hearts at a young age and that once they taste the goodness of God, they will know that nothing is better – nothing is sweeter. 

I watch the events at Asbury as a mom who has prayed for this kind of response in my own kids . . . And I can only imagine the tears of gratitude and pride the moms and dads who have prayed similar prayers for their kids are experiencing as they watch them respond to God. 

God is answering countless prayers at Asbury.

I also watch the GEN Z response to God at Asbury as an elder Millennial. I belong to a generation whose hearts have turned cold toward God. We are distrustful and cynical . . . often for good reason. We have watched God be co-opted by many forces and faces that do not reflect what I understand about Jesus. Emotionalism, fundamentalism, politicalism, religion devoid of grace, faith devoid of works . . .

And yet . . . I read Psalm 78 . . .

“So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles, and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.”

I read those words, and I long for the story my children will tell of their generation to be a hopeful one. A story full of remembering the miracles of God. A story marked with repentance and grace that works itself out into endless stories of good and right things.

May words like stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful be unfamiliar to their hearts.

And I pray . . . that maybe, just maybe . . . Even my generation will be counted among the hopeful before our time is done. 

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P.S. I have other thoughts, too . . . As a teacher and a pastor . . . about these students’ grades in school, what their discipleship looks like from this emotional moment on, and whether or not we will see the fruit of ongoing revival in the lives of those involved and in the world at large . . . But those things are not actually my responsibility. 

My responsibility is my own heart and my own leadership. So here are some questions I’m asking myself:

• Am I tender before Jesus?
• Am I responding to God?
• Am I leading in such a way that what God does in moments of prayer and worship makes its way out into real life?
• Am I making room for others of every generation to truly hear God’s voice and obey when they hear him?
• Am I willing to make sacrifices for the mission God has called me to?
• Am I praying hopeful prayers for my children and the next generation?