Revival

 

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

 

She sat alone in the pew on a bright, beautiful Sunday morning.  The Pastor began speaking about how the church needed a revival.  She looked out the side window beyond the parking lot and for a moment, wondered where they would pitch the tent.  As time passed, more talk of revival was mentioned.  Radio programs spoke against these movements of God.  She realized people either wanted revival or they didn’t.  There seemed to be no middle ground.

 

Revival became a misused, misconstrued and meaningless word.  She could not understand the concept, nor could she fathom how God could do something new when He was the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

 

More time passed, she can’t remember when it happened, but she became spiritually bankrupt.  She found herself feeling empty.  All she had were her beliefs.  The hot, arid wind blew leaving her parched.  Every gust would strip from her one more idea, one more opinion she clung to.  She stood before God barren and empty.

 

She felt a tug, a gentle yearning, and faintly heard a small, still voice.  “God, is that you?”  A short, simple prayer formed on her lips, “God, let me know You personally, intimately.”  The walls of her heart crumbled.  She felt movement deep within…her soul awakened, her spirit formed, could it be, was she in revival?

 

Revival starts in the heart.  Revival is an on-going process.  It’s not a booster shot, a feel good experience, or a warm fuzzy.  Revival is a turning point, salvation through His Son Jesus.  It’s God placing His chosen-His beloved on the path of righteousness for His Namesake.  It’s a fire that burns from within.  Sometimes it simmers; sometimes it blazes with God’s glory.  Revival is Love.

 

Revival is now her life.  It is His power and might that has placed strength and perseverance in her soul.  It’s His long-suffering when she forgets, His peace when she dwells in His temple.  God, who is the Author and Creator of Love, is Revival.  She’s stopped looking for the revival tent, and started learning from, and being used by God, who placed the tent of revival in her heart.

 

Written by Tammy Schlesinger

Used with Permission