GOD’S GENERALS: WOULD YOU HAVE MADE THE LIST?

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Luke 1:1-4 KJV

When Roberts Liardon authored, the “God’s Generals” around 1996, he attempted to recapture God’s glory with compelling spiritual biographies of some of the most powerful ministries to ever ignite the fires of revival. Simply he was bringing to our attention a term often used in Christian circles to refer to influential and charismatic Christian leaders and preachers who have had a significant impact on the Christian faith and its history.

Some of the names of the God’s Generals will sound through eternity.

• William J. Seymour (1870 –1922) was the son of ex-slave, who turned a tiny horse table on Azusa Street, Los Angeles, into an internationally famous center of revival.
• Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947) was known for his powerful healing ministry and dynamic preaching, and is considered one of the pioneers of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
• Aimee Semple McPherson (1890-1944) was a famous evangelist and founder of the Foursquare Church. She was known for her innovative use of media and her large tent revivals.
•  Kathryn Kuhlman (1907-1976) who was a healing evangelist known for her miracle services and for drawing large crowds. She had a significant influence on the Charismatic movement.
• Oral Roberts (1918-2009) a prominent televangelist, faith healer, and founder of Oral Roberts University. He played a pivotal role in the growth of the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements
• Benny Hinn (born 1952) a controversial televangelist known for his faith healing crusades and Prosperity Gospel teachings.
• Billy Graham (1918-2018) widely considered one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century, with a worldwide ministry that spanned several decades.

God has weaved out remarkable stories of how the Gospel has taken route, these stories often have been drenched in the blood of these saints, some have carried the pangs of pain, some have been carried on the unenviable labors of saints, like Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 6:5 KJV, "In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;:" our ministration is not devoid of troubles.

This was the tale of the early preachers, apostles and ministers, or so you think? That which was will be, there is nothing new under the sun, the same things will happen in this and the next generation if Jesus would not have returned.

When you study, and looking at the testimony of the people around the Generals, some never held them in high esteem, some never considered them of repute, it is many years earlier that we consider them to be remarkable men and women of God after they had gone to be with the Lord.

Wherever you are serving, when the time comes? will you be considered a God's General or you are simply passing through the world quietly. Would you have made the list? If yes, congratulations, you probably have a glorious seat around the pearly gates, but if your answer is no? seek the Holy Spirit to assign you beyond the giftings.