The Burden of Souls

I've been reading up on the Whitefield and Wesley revival in the 18th Century for a short talk that I'm doing at our church prayer meeting next week. The most immediate observation you can make is this –  it's largely known as the 'Whitefield and Wesley' revival. It's God and man working together to bring salvation.

Salvation belongs to God, and you can't overestimate God's sovereignty. But you can totally underestimate man's role. We're his instruments, we're the men on the ground. Does God allow his plans (even for salvation) to be frustrated and delayed by us? I think the answer has to be 'yes'. 2 Peter 3 talks about us having the ability to actually speed Christ's return. It must also follow that we can choose to not speed Christ's return. We have a significant effect, and burden, for the salvation of souls.

"You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."
2 Peter 3: 11-12

"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Revelation 7:10

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10: 14-15