God's Pattern for Revival

Have you ever felt like you needed a fresh encounter with God? It is easy to fall into the trap of going through life living on past experiences with God. The truth of the matter is that we cannot live today simply on what God has done in our lives yesterday. We cannot continue to live each day on yesterday's walk with God. We must choose each day to follow Christ and we need to do things that feed our relationship with him (ei. prayer, scripture, fellowship, solitude, etc.).

In the book of Judges, second chapter, we see what happened early on in Israel's history and see a pattern for revival.

1) The people followed God. Judges 2:7

2) The people forsook the Lord. Judges 2:11

3) God defeated the people through their enemies. Judges 2:14

4) The people cried out for help. Judges 2:15, 18

5) God had compassion and delivered them. Judges 2:16, 18

Revival begins and ends with God. Henry and Richard Blackaby point out seven phases of revival in their book "Fresh Encounter". 1. God on Mission, 2.People Depart, 3. God Disciplines, 4. People Cry Out, 5. People Repent or Perish, 6. Revival, 7. Spiritual Awakening.

As I reflected on this pattern I couldn't help but think about my relationship with my 3 year old daughter. There have been countless times when she has disobeyed. Many times in her disobedience I have become sad and even angry at times and really frustrated with her. However, those feelings are often short lived. She is usually quick to say "I'm sorry" and after disciplining her and correcting her behavior she inevitably more than welcomes my embrace as her father and I am more than willing to give it. When she cries out to me, her father, with remorse in her voice, my heart is always filled with love and compassion.

In our lives we make mistakes. Often there are consequences to these mistakes as well. God never condones or approves of these mistakes and may often discipline us for them as well, but he is always ready to show compassion and forgiveness. When we cry out to our heavenly father, just as Israel cried out, he will forgive us and will heal our wounded hearts.

"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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14