There’s not a committed Christian in America who wouldn’t like revival. But I’m afraid there are few who are desperate for revival.
We stand in dire need of revival, but we don’t always carry a personal urgency for revival.
Much of the book of Lamentations is the cry of a prophet who sensed the immediacy of his nation’s need for revival. Yet his cry was one of anguish because the people to whom he ministered were content to live without it.
In shocked agony, Jeremiah asked a piercing question: “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?” (Lamentations 1:12).
His question could be repeated today. None of us would mind revival; but few are desperate for revival.
Why should we be desperate for revival?
1. Because we need God’s presence
Without God’s presence, life is meaningless; without the power of the Holy Spirit, ministry is fruitless.
Moses knew this and was unwilling to go forward without the assurance of God’s personal presence. “And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence (Exodus 33:15).
2. Because we need our prayers answered
It’s amazing how thorough our heart-searching becomes when we face tragedy. Oh that we would be discontent with anything less than a pure heart regardless of the immediacy of our needs. Matthew 5:8 promises, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
3. Because we care about our children and grandchildren
Like you, I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy. Short of national revival, however, my four grandchildren will grow up in a country less and less like the one I know and love.
For their sakes, I pray that God’s people—nationwide—will follow 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Do you pray for revival?
Are you desperate for revival?
