Send a Revival
“Lord, send a revival,” is the beginning phrase of the chorus to the old hymn. Would you like to see a revival? I know that I long to experience that kind of movement of the Holy Spirit among His people.
I’m not talking about a good feeling after an exceptional worship service or event. When I speak of a revival, I’m referring to a personal encounter with the Almighty God of the universe. When you are confronted with your sins by the Creator and Redeemer of your soul, you cannot remain the same. Repentance becomes your only option due to the overwhelming conviction in your heart! When that happens, and spreads throughout the fellowship of believers like a fire out of control, then there is revival. By the way, how does that chorus end? “(Lord, send a revival,) and let it begin in me.” Some years ago, the old evangelist Gypsy Smith was conducting meetings when someone came to ask the secret of his success. He wanted to know what the best method would be to help start a spiritual awakening in his own church. What was Gypsy Smith’s answer? “Brother, go home and lock yourself in your room. Take a piece of chalk and draw a circle on the floor. Then get down on your knees inside that circle and confess all your known sins. Determine to follow the Lord wherever His Word directs you, no matter what the cost. Ask Him to begin His work in you! When this prayer is answered you will have the beginning of revival in your church.” The Lord gave King Solomon the secret of regaining His blessing: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) And who are His people that are called by His name today? Christians, of course. Pray for revival!
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
