Revive us again

By CHERYL CRUCE

According to the dictionary, revival is a reawakening of religious fervor. We often hear about past revivals and how they stirred the hearts of men. There have been 10 significant revivals since the first in 1734, and today we hear of a new revival in Wilmore, Kentucky.
The Great Awakening revival lasted from 1734-1743. In 1795 the Second Great Awakening fanned the flames of faith in the Lord, lasting until 1835. As we move through the centuries, the 1960s brought a Charismatic Renewal and Jesus movement that engulfed our country.
I walked the Asbury Theological campus in Wilmore, Kentucky, during my studies. Walking between classes, the grounds, and the surrounding community, you could feel the presence of God. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit was heard in the students’ conversations and the professors’ teachings.
Today we hear of a new revival. The revival at Asbury results from the students and faculty who continually lift their voices of praise to the Lord. They are fanning the embers of faith.
People are coming from far and wide to experience this touch of the Lord. They refuse to leave until the Lord blesses them.
I remember a story of a man, Jacob, who wrestled with God through the night. During his encounter, Jacob was alone in the wilderness, away from the world’s distractions. Jacob refused to let go of the Lord until he received his blessing (Genesis 32).
Revival, by definition and by happening, is a communal event. Nonetheless, let us consider revival an individual experience (like Jacob).
When was the last time you embraced the Lord praising His name? Scripture teaches that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22). Did you know that when we draw close to God, He will draw close to us, purifying our hearts?
As we humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord, He will lift us up (James 4:8) to His courts. Revival begins within man’s heart when he desires the presence of the Lord and humbles himself before God.
To be humble before the Lord is more than a Sunday morning experience. Living in His presence is a way of life that carries you moment by moment. It is easy to believe that Sunday morning is enough to take us through the week. Nonetheless, Jesus often used the phrase “follow me” when calling His disciples. The “follow me” is an invitation to go with the Lord daily throughout His journey and ministry.
The invitation is the same today: we are called to follow our Lord’s teachings as we stand in His righteousness. Each of us is given a measure of faith. Paul told young Timothy to fan the flames of his youth that were taught to him (2 Timothy 1). Essentially Paul was saying to give life to your faith, Timothy, and cause the spark to ignite into something greater than yourself.
We are not in Wilmore, Kentucky. However, there is a spark within our souls. Let us seek after the Lord daily, praising His Holy Name, inviting Him to draw close to us. It is His greatest desire.
Now is the time to fan the flames of our youth, allowing the embers to become a fire. Others will draw near, and revival will gain wings when we do. The Father is waiting to revive, heal, and draw us closer to Him. Find a quiet place away from the world’s distractions (like Jacob). Pursue Him today, read His word, and seek His presence. He is patiently waiting for you.
Psalm 119:40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness.
Psalm 119:159 Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your loving kindness.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.