But Lord, what am I do to about it?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to spark a spiritual awakening in a nation lost in darkness? Picture an era where indulgence and extravagance ruled the day, where people lived for the moment without a thought for eternity. Perhaps the following quote may describe what you are thinking of:
“In cities… parties, fashion shows, concerts, and gambling houses intoxicated the rich for months at a time. They sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play with no thought of eternity.”1
Surprisingly, this isn’t a snapshot of modern-day affluent society, but a glimpse into 18th-century Britain, a time when revival was born through extraordinary individuals like John Wesley and George Whitefield.
But amid the decadence and spiritual void of that era, one name often goes unnoticed: Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntington. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of a life devoted to Christ. At the age of 39, she became a widow, and this was not the only time tragedy struck, as she lost four of her seven children at a young age. Yet, God used her in a remarkable way.
In the face of her nation’s moral crisis, Selina posed a question that resonates with us today: “But Lord, what am I to do about it? My generation lies lost in darkness. They are like sheep without a shepherd. God, may you pour abundant blessings upon our sinful country and help me to fill my place in your work?”2
This heartfelt prayer set in motion a series of extraordinary actions. With considerable wealth at her disposal, Selina committed to redirecting her resources, ultimately contributing the equivalent of $20 million in today’s terms to further the Kingdom of God in her land. Her impact was profound, as she went on to build 64 churches, establish a seminary, and support mission work in the American colonies. Through this mission work, God brought about the Great Awakening in America, forever altering the course of history.
Yet, today, the Countess of Huntington’s story remains largely untold. Without her dedication, revival in America might have remained a distant dream, and our nation as we know it could have taken a different path.
Last week, Pastor Mark challenged us all to pray for revival—something we have been calling our church to for the last several months. But this story of the Countess of Huntington raises an intriguing question: Could there be a more tangible role that God envisions for you in his divine plan, beyond fervent prayer alone? Consider echoing the Countess’ heartfelt plea:
“But Lord, what am I to do about it? My generation lies lost in darkness. They are like sheep without a shepherd. God, may you pour abundant blessings upon our sinful country and help me to fill my place in your work?”3
Pastor Ellis
[1] John Rinehart, Gospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed The World (Reclaimed Publishing, 2016), 65.
[2] Faith Cook, Selina: Countess of Huntingdon (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2001), 103
[3] Ibid.