Isaiah 44

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams.” (Isaiah 44:3–4, ESV)

Maybe it is because I am approaching retirement age. (I now qualify for senior discounts at restaurants!) But I have been thinking more about the legacy I will leave behind. I think about the next generation. What am I doing to equip them?

As I look back to the influence my grandparents had on me, I believe that I am still benefiting from the reservoir of prayers laid up by my grandmother. And as I look at my children and grandchildren, I pray that I may lay up prayers that will continue long after I pass from this world.

In these above verses, the LORD speaks of pouring out His Spirit and blessing upon the descendants of Israel. He compares this to pouring out water on a thirsty land. Even in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is compared to water—that is to living water. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cried out with a loud voice:

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive...” (John 7:37–39, ESV)

I can think of no better prayer for our children and grandchildren (and indeed for ourselves) than that God would pour out the Holy Spirit on us all and bring revival. I don’t see any hope for our nation other than this. If this happens, then the people will be blessed, and the work of the Spirit through the gospel of Jesus Christ will flow out to lost souls.

As I pray for my grandchildren, I actually have hope that God will answer this prayer, for I know it is His will. Will you join me in preparing the soil for the next generation and for the next revival? The ground is dry, but our God is mighty in power and abounding in grace!