Revival Begins With Me

“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

We need revival in America. I don't think that many Christians would object to that statement. Events of the past weeks certainly reflect this need. Yet I am convinced that, overall, Christians really don't want revival. Yes, they want to see positive results, but they don't want to be involved in the process of revival.

Although revival is a sovereign move of God among His people, there is usually a cost involved. Most Christians are fine with this --- as long as someone else is paying that cost. You see, we don't want to get our hands dirty. We don't want our lives massively rearranged. We want a revival that changes others but not ourselves. We want revival that brings about the repentance of others, but we want to remain unscathed.

The problem is that revival begins on a personal level. Revival begins with me. It begins with you. While we are waiting on others to change, God is looking for us to change.

Look at what God said in Isaiah 57:15: “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.” Notice that His promise to revive is for “him that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” This promise is on an individual basis. Then this broadens out to others: “... to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

Revival begins on an individual level. I believe three things are required in the beginning work of revival.

1. HONESTY

First of all, there needs to be an honest appraisal of the situation. Most individuals fail at this point. They don't think they need revival. While they see a need for others to be revived, they don't see their own need. They will openly admit the nation needs revival, but not themselves. Without brutal honesty, revival is just a dream that will never materialize.

2. HUMILITY

Secondly, there must be humility. That is what the Lord specifies over and over again in our text. Again, this is a point of failure for most people. For the most part, Americans are rather bold, arrogant and proud. We'd rather start a riot than see a revival. We'd rather see politicians humbled than get humble ourselves. Without humility, we are just playing games at the foot of the cross. Without humility, we are just playing church.

3. HUNGER

Finally, we need to have a hunger for God Himself. There must be an inner dissatisfaction with the status quo and our spiritual situation. While many want to see positive changes, few have a hunger for the Lord Himself. We may have a hunger for His blessings, but it is another thing to have a hunger for the One who provides the blessings.

The real question is this: are you a genuine candidate for revival yourself? Are you willing to get honest with yourself and the Lord? Are you willing to humble yourself and do whatever God leads you to do? Do you have a hunger for the Lord? If so, pursue the Lord with intensity today. If not, it is time for you to get alone with God and have a time of introspection.

It is time we quit looking around revival to erupt and start looking up --- and looking within. Revival begins with me. Revival begins with you.