Searching for Wallace, but Finding Wesley: Day 19
Intention
To have our hearts awakened so we know in increasing measure God’s great hope found in Christ’s eternal promises.
Scripture
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
– Ephesians 1:17–19
Reflection
On a Sunny day in London a few weeks ago, I was walking near St Paul’s cathedral looking for a monument to William Wallace at the spot of his execution.
Ever since I saw the film Braveheart as a teenager, I’ve been inspired by the idea of Wallace’s life and courage. And what young, ideal, and impassioned person wouldn’t want to go storm the gates of their enemies?
Hoping to get some inspiration for the kind of life I want to live and the kind of difference I want to make, I was eager to stand in the place that he gave his life for his convictions.
But as it turned out, it was a difficult monument to find.
And as I was searching, I unexpectedly came across a different monument.
Another reformer. Someone who had made a big difference in their nation and around the world.
Whilst I was searching for Wallace, I ended up finding Wesley, one of the prominent preachers of the Great Awakening.
Two inspiring figures from history. Two very different stories.
And two very different means of influence. One with a sword. The other, with prayer, the Bible, and on horseback.
When we think of ‘reform’ or making changes, our culture has very set ideas about how to go about this.
In Wallace’s day, he saw the field of battle as the means to achieve his ends.
In Wesley’s day, he saw a much greater and longer lasting reform. It wasn’t a political reform – although it resulted in that.
It wasn’t a social justice reform – although it resulted in that.
It wasn’t a legal, educational, or welfare reform – although all those reforms did happen as a result.
It was entirely spiritual in nature. It was a spiritual awakening. A reformation.
The nation came awake to God, to his reality, to his kingdom and the good news.
While Wallace’s revolution resulted in political liberty – for a short while – Wesley’s revolution resulted in the change of heart of a nation.
That is not something that can be voted for or coerced at the tip of a sword. It can come only by the power God through the prayers of man.
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul prayed for such an experience: that the peoples’ hearts would be enlightened. Talk about an awakening!
And may this be our prayer today – for our churches and our nation.
While much of our culture continues to look for secular answers to our modern problems, the Christian hope has always been tethered to an eternal promise found in Christ.
Wesley knew it. He prayed for it. And he saw it.
May that be our story too.
As I found Wesley, even though I looked for Wallace, may our nation discover Christ whilst searching for their answers.
Video
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as you did at Pentecost, and as you did in the Great Awakening, may you do it again.
Amen.
Author Bio
Jonathan became the Lead Pastor of Suncoast Church in 2014, where he has been committed to advancing the vision and mission of the community. Additionally, he has been a member of the International Network of Churches (INC) National Executive since 2020, serving in a strategic advisory role to support the broader vision and mission of the movement.
Prayer Points for October 2025
- God to pour out his blessing and Spirit on every church in Australia and its leaders. Hebrews 13:7
- All churches in Australia to grow in Christlikeness and win people to Christ. Acts 6:7
- Widespread adoption of Reaching Australia 2033 and its plan to activate every believer in personal evangelism. Acts 1:8
- Revival for Australia and for millions to come to Christ. Isaiah 64:1–2
We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.
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