REAL REVIVAL

"Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice." - Jonah 2:1-2

Here in America, most churches organize and host "revival services," that are typically scheduled for three nights or more.  Sometimes they can become protracted services.  At any rate, the "revival" is typically scheduled for specific dates with a guest speaker and even special singers. 

Often the purpose of these scheduled meetings is to gain converts.  Evangelistic preaching and tear-jerking invitations are usually the norm, with the expectation of seeing people come forward and making professions of faith.

To be rather honest, genuine revival often takes place after a pattern we find in the book of Jonah.  Revival is a sovereign act of God, designed to bring His people to the point of spiritual renewal.  This act of God is often unplanned by humans and sometimes begins on an individual basis.

That was the case in the book of Jonah.  Before wicked Nineveh could hear God's message, the preacher himself had to get right with God.  Jonah's heart was selfish and sinful.  He had deliberately disobeyed God, demonstrating a rebellious attitude.  God had to get his attention and change this stubborn preacher.

At the end of Jonah chapter 1, God caused a great fish to swallow Jonah.  Now, in the belly of this fish, revival was about to erupt in the heart of Jonah.  God had gotten his attention.

For the first time since God called him to preach at Nineveh, we find Jonah praying.  Jonah had to be humbled before God would use him.  The same is true for us.  I hate to say it, but most Christians seem to be rather arrogant and proud.  Churches seem to have a competitive spirit about them.  Revival doesn't come to the proud, only to the humble.  When we humble ourselves, we become candidates for a blessing.  James wrote, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

God had stopped Jonah's disobedient run from Him.  Now, in the belly of a fish, Jonah couldn't run. 

The whole experience had humbled Jonah and now he prayed.  He sought forgiveness for his rebellion.  Furthermore, he promised to obey God and go to Nineveh.

Obedience is the key issue that determines the state of your spiritual health.  I find that too many Christians are simply giving lip service to God.  They are playing games at the foot of the cross.  They talk a good talk, but their walk doesn't match their talk.  Some are living in willful disobedience while playing the role of a "good church member."  Jonah was like that, too, but it caught up with him.  Like it or not, God is not fooled by such play-acting. 

When Jonah got right with God, his situation changed immediately.  The great fish vomited Jonah up on dry ground.  Jonah probably looked and smelled awful.  Sin had left him a mess, but at least he was out of the fish.

It is hard to tell what God can do with a man or woman that will get right with Him and obey Him explicitly.  Such people are rare to find.  But why can't that be you?  Why shouldn't you get right with Him?  Why shouldn't you repent of your disobedience and rebellion? 

Quit complaining about the sins of others.  Stop rendering judgment on other disobedient church members.  The real issue is not your neighbor or another church member.  The real problem is you. 

Perhaps like Jonah's situation, God has arranged a series of problems in order to get your attention.  Maybe you're at the bottom of the barrel right now.  When you reach rock bottom, it is good time to look up.  Look up to the Lord.  Get right with Him.  Repent of your stubborn will, selfish attitude and rebellious heart.  Sell out to the Lord right now.  Surrender to Him and His will.

It could be that revival will erupt in your life today!