Most of us probably have mixed feelings about revival. We think we are okay and yet struggle with our everyday life stuff. Israel of old struggled with it as well. The people would be deeply committed to following God and His ways when they faced impossible odds as an enemy would come in to conquer them. God would miraculously save them. Everyday life would come along and they would lose their zeal to follow God, fall into complacency, belligerence, and even open rebellion. God again would use an ungodly nation to oppress them. They would cry out for God to help them and God would send a prophet to announce impending disaster and salvation. Then cycle would repeat.
I have come to the conclusion that we are in need of revival today. 911 scared us all and we thought Jesus coming was imminent. We adjusted our lives to include safety measures in travel but pretty much went back to the routines of life and got caught up in economic survival for our families and church. Now we are realizing that social distancing and all the other things that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to be with us for some time to come.
Fear of catching the virus keeps us away from each other. Virtual worship and zoom classes are great but we know we spiritually need more in our lives. We know we need spiritual revival but may not be sure how to proceed in today’s conditions. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 I find a promise and a warning. There it says, “…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.” My life needs healing and you may be admitting that yours does also. I know the context is Israel as a nation. But I believe the application is for us today as well. If we as individuals, families, Laurel Heights SDA Church, the Conference, Union, Division, and General Conference pray, seek and turn away from our wicked ways, that God will forgive our sin and heal our land – our lives, our reputation in the community, our nation, and world.
It is important that we realize that there is also a warning built into the message of 2 Chronicles 7:19-21. The warning was for them back then and I believe for us today as well. The warning is this: If they, we, I don’t follow God’s commandments and serve other gods (the sinful distractions of life), God will uproot them, us, me and even cast His house of worship out of His sight and the plagues and punishments will fall on them, us, me. In fact, because people have seen how God has blessed in the past, people will be astonished when they see the downfall.
These words totally emphasize to me the importance of REVIVAL IN MY LIFE. I really believe God is wanting to do something special today. I believe it will spread. It must start somewhere. I WANT TO BE REVIVED AND ALIVE - LET IT BEGIN WITH ME!!!
God bless you each, Pastor Bill Lindeman
Father God, I see all the turmoil in the world around me. I want your forgiveness and healing in my life, my family, and my church. Help us individually to make the decision to humbly seek you in prayer and turn from our wicked ways. Thank you for Your promise – that you will hear, forgive, and heal. I believe your coming is very soon. Help us to share the good news of salvation and Your soon coming with others for Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.