Many people enjoy discussing revival in general terms, but
very few people like to get specific about revival. Many shy away from the
subject when it touches on a personal sacrifice and a true dedication to
Christ.
Years
ago, the late evangelist Gypsy Smith was conducting meetings when a preacher
came to ask the secret of his success.
The preacher wanted to know the best method of starting a spiritual
awakening in his congregation. Here was
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 known sin.
Determine to follow the Lord wherever His Word directs you, no matter
what the cost. Ask Him to begin this
awakening in you! When this prayer is
answered, you will have the beginning of a revival in your church.”
Before a
congregation can have revival, God must be able to work in their hearts; and He
does this one member at a time. If a
believer wants the fire of zeal and enthusiasm kindled in his life as well as
in the lives of fellow believers, he must study the Scriptures so that personal
needs will be revealed. In turn, this will lead to repentance and confession of
sin. Then, as the believer prayerfully
applies God’s Word, his actions will be revolutionized by showing love to his
brethren and witnessing to the unsaved.
✞ Pray specifically that God will reveal your sin and faults to you.
