You Can Get There From Here

Sometimes revival comes in such gradual ways. Without even realizing when it all began, we find ourselves enjoying the spiritual blessings and joy that revival brings. Sometimes revival comes in response to conflict, or persecution, or maybe tragedy.

Our complacency, our apathy, is shattered by events that force us to pause — to consider the distance we’ve wandered away from God, and to decide that now — now — we want to come home.

> Today is the day of salvation.

This is the day that the Lord has made.

There is no better time than the present.

Don’t put off for tomorrow what you should do today.

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The Call of God’s Mercy

Consider the mercy and the long-suffering of God.

This morning, right now, right here — God is reaching out to you. He doesn’t want you to be lost. Not one person needs to be lost.

All that He can do — He does.

God is actively working toward the salvation of every boy and girl, every father and mother, every husband and wife, every friend, and even every enemy.

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Illustration — The Cleansing Rain

Uncle Henry and I climbed until we reached the ledge overlooking a stagnant, stinking pond. Green algae covered the water. Even the frogs seemed to complain.

Then it began to rain. We took refuge under that rock ledge high above the pond. Lightning flashed. Thunder cracked. The rain came in torrents — then stopped as quickly as it started.

We peered out. The little stream that had been dry was now gushing with fresh, clear water into the pond. The new water drove the old before it, cleansing as it went. Right before our eyes, the old water was forced away and carried downstream, leaving behind a bright, clean, sparkling pond.

Uncle Henry said softly, “I’ll bet that’s just what happens when the Holy Spirit enters a life. It flows in, it purifies, and it pushes away the old.”

I said, “It’s hard to believe that’s the same pond.”

Uncle Henry smiled. “It isn’t, David. It’s a brand new pond.”

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A Question for the Heart

Why are you here today?

What is your plan for today?

What are your intentions in worshipping God?

Are you here to get in touch with your need for Jesus?

Are you here to avail yourself of the gift of salvation?

Did you come expecting something in your life?

God moves in a mysterious way — His wonders to perform.

There’s really no way to program a revival.

There’s no way in ourselves to bring about spiritual life.

We cannot start a revival on our own.

But listen — we can’t stop one either.

When God moves, no one can stop Him!

It is His desire that revival occurs among His people.

The only choice you and I have is to respond to this question:

> Whose side will you be on?

Who is on the Lord’s side? — answer now the call!

Who is on the Lord’s side? — will you give your all?

Who is on the Lord’s side? — let your voice be heard!

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Hezekiah’s Revival

One of the most sudden revivals ever recorded in Scripture took place under King Hezekiah. The very first thing on his agenda as king was to repent and to set his life right with God.

When he began his reign, there were plenty of pressing issues — invading armies, national instability, and an empty treasury. The church was corrupt. The people were chasing other gods. They were preoccupied with survival and pleasure.

And to make matters worse, Hezekiah succeeded one of the most wicked kings in Judah’s history — his father, King Ahaz.

But Hezekiah began right.

He started a work of reformation in the very first month of his reign.

Within just two short months, the entire land was swept with a wave of spiritual rebirth and enthusiasm.

What a response!

How the Lord blessed!

Revival always begins when hearts are humbled before God.

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Where Revival Begins

Revival is due only to the moving of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of men and women. But what was it that brought about such a response? Wouldn’t you like to find the key?

Let’s start with what it isn’t.

It isn’t just wanting revival.

It isn’t wishing for better sermons or louder music.

If revival is to happen, it happens with me.

(Say that aloud with me.)

If revival is to happen, it happens with me!

We love to look across the aisle.

We love to peer into the dark closets of our brothers and sisters.

But when God comes in the stillness of the evening, calling us by name —

where are we found?

We come out from our hiding places, covering ourselves with our own righteousness. We come armed with excuses that try to shift blame — onto others, onto circumstances, even onto God Himself.