“Stacie” said that she felt trapped by a lot of things she didn’t want to be a part of. How her friends seemed to be wrapped up in each other’s opinions of themselves and how to be really genuine. “Josh” admitted that drugs, alcohol, and sex are all big things, but it really comes down to not feeling like you can be real.

“Amber” feels that even though guys have their own issues, it can be harder for girls in a lot of ways, because they are so focused on their problems. “When girls dress up, it’s really for each other. It’s always this competition of who’s going to look better. A lot of girls struggle with weight.” Statistics show that younger and younger girls are dealing with eating disorders such as anorexia. Approximately two out of ten girls have eating disorders by the time they are ten years of age.

“Grecko” is one of the younger generation. He was born a crack baby and raised in a home where alcohol and drugs took priority over any needs that the family had. At the age of 19 he hovers near the door of a “sub-culture” church waiting for what he calls his “double-dose” of Jesus. In that regard he’s different from most of his “punk” culture peers who shun the idea of going to church because they often don’t feel welcomed or accepted. “This is the only church where I’m accepted,” Grecko admits.

He turned to Christ in December 1998 and, although he has experienced rejection from many in the mainstream churches, he has never let go of his commitment to Jesus. “I heard about this place from a friend of mine,” he says, “I love to worship God and I love the people. They don’t care about piercings and tattoos. They care about what’s in your soul.”

Multitudes of young, disenfranchise, broken, searching, insecure, love starved youth are finding hope, meaning, freedom, healing, and purpose in Jesus Christ. Even the media senses something is happening in this generation. On the front cover of the July 16th issue of Newsweek joyful youth are featured with the headline “Jesus Rocks! Christian Entertainment Makes a Joyful Noise at a 50,000 strong Tulsa Rock Festival Last Week.” Of course, most of the media reports the Christian youth explosion as simply big business, money, and entertainment. But what makes these young people so joyful and different? Not mere entertainment or some hype from some big money Christian rock stars. No, what sets this radical remnant on fire with passion and purpose is experiencing the mercy and mighty power and presence of Jesus Christ in their lives.

I believe we are possibly seeing what the Psalmist David had a revelation of centuries ago. “This is the generation of them that seek Him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be lifted up you everlasting doors that the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:6-10).

This is the generation of multitudes who desire to seek not just the hand of God but the face of God. Not for what He can do, but for whom He is. They are not satisfied with “church as usual”. This is a generation who is fervent in worship and witness of the Lord. The Apostle James referred to it as a prophecy being fulfilled. “After this I will return and build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down that the residue of men might seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles by whom my name is called” (Acts 15:13-18).

God is raising up an army of youth to march through our land with commitment and destiny. Their identity is not found in themselves but who they are in Christ. “Thy people shall volunteer freely from the dawn of the womb thy youth are as the dew” (Psalm 110:3). They drink daily from the river of God’s mercy and love. They are not satisfied to sing “shall we gather at the river”. They want to jump in and swim in God’s mercy, love, joy, and presence.

Age is not a factor with God. God is raising up a generation “that seeks His face” (Psalm 24:6). You can be a part of this generation. Fulfill your destiny and purpose. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way. He will have mercy. He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6, 7).