"Understanding The Times - Revival or Judgement"

Revival in America: A Call to Action

In a time when our nation seems to be spiraling into moral decay, there's a growing cry among believers for revival. But what does true revival look like, and how can we usher it in?

The heart of revival begins with a simple yet profound plea: "Will thou not revive us again?" This sentiment, echoed in Psalm 85, reflects a deep longing for spiritual renewal. It's a call that resonates just as strongly today as it did thousands of years ago.

As we look around, it's easy to become disheartened. Our media is saturated with vulgarity, our politicians use increasingly coarse language, and the sanctity of life is under constant attack. The confusion about gender identity, the erosion of traditional values, and the general state of moral ambiguity can leave us feeling lost and discouraged.

But in the midst of this darkness, there's a glimmer of hope. It comes in the form of a new generation - often referred to as Generation Z. While they may seem stubborn and non-conformist to older generations, these traits might just be the key to sparking a spiritual revolution.

These young people are growing up in perhaps the most morally challenging era yet. They face constant bombardment from all sides - social media, peers, and a culture that often mocks faith. Yet, many are standing firm in their beliefs, unashamed to proclaim their faith in Christ. They're not just surviving in this hostile environment; they're thriving.

We've seen valedictorians and class presidents boldly thanking God in their speeches, acknowledging their pastors, churches, and parents for their spiritual guidance. This generation is tech-savvy, resilient, and often more spiritually mature than we give them credit for. They represent a potential army for God, ready to take on the challenges of our time.

But how do we fan this spark into a full-blown revival? The answer lies in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This verse outlines a clear path to revival:

1. Humility: We must set aside our pride and arrogance. This is often the hardest step, as it goes against our natural inclinations. But true revival begins when we humble ourselves before God.

2. Prayer: We need to return to fervent, passionate prayer. Not just routine prayers, but heart-cries to God for our nation, our communities, and our own spiritual lives.

3. Seeking God's Face: This means turning to God's Word and truly seeking to know Him more deeply. As we draw closer to God, we begin to see ourselves more clearly in light of His holiness.

4. Repentance: We must turn from our wicked ways. This requires honest self-examination and a willingness to change. It's not about comparing ourselves to others, but measuring ourselves against God's standards.

Revival isn't just about emotional experiences or large gatherings. It's about a fundamental change in our hearts and lives. It's about rediscovering the joy that comes from a deep, personal relationship with God.

Many of us have been taught that success, a good job, a Christian spouse, and financial stability will bring fulfillment. But true joy and contentment come from finding our purpose in Christ and living for Him. As the Apostle Paul said, he learned to be content in every situation because his satisfaction was in Christ, not in circumstances.

The call to revival is not just for the young. For those in their later years, it's not time to retire from spiritual warfare - it's time to "re-fire"! We should aim to leave this world singing hallelujah, winning souls for Christ until our very last breath.

As we long for revival, let's remember that it starts with us. We can't wait for others to change or for circumstances to improve. We need to draw a circle around ourselves and pray, "Lord, revive me." When we experience personal revival, it will naturally spread to those around us.

The legacy of past revivals should inspire us. Many of us were saved or grew spiritually during times of great revival. We've seen God move in mighty ways before, and He can do it again. But it requires our participation - our humility, our prayers, our seeking of God's face, and our repentance.

In these challenging times, we have a choice. We can continue on the current path, or we can turn and follow God in revival. The promise is clear - if we humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways, God will hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land.

Let's not crawl across the finish line of life. Let's run across it, shouting glory to God! Whether young or old, let's commit ourselves to being part of this revival. Let's pray for our nation, support and encourage the next generation of believers, and live lives that reflect the transforming power of Christ.

The time for revival is now. Will you join the cry? "Lord, revive us again, and let it start with me!"