What Stops Revival?

I have nearly finished my third book in Bill Bright & Jack Cavanagh's `The Great Awakenings' series. Unfortunately the Library doesn't have Book 4, so I guess my series of posts on `Revival' will come to end.

In each of the books there is always a main character, usually a dedicated Christian, who has not yet received a `revival experience' because of something in their life that is holding them back. In `Fire', the young minister had a lot of guilt and grief about things that had happened in his past. In `Storm' - a young Yale student had a lot of anger and hatred towards people who had hurt him. And in this final book `Proof' - a young Christian lawyer, who busies his life doing good for others, discovers there is a little bit of pride in what he does. He actually `enjoys' being seen as a `do gooder'.

Can you relate to any of these? I know I can, especially the guilt and grief; but I realized recently that pride too has a hold of me in some ways. I don't do the work I do for `praise', but I have to admit I do enjoy being thanked now and then. Some might say there is nothing wrong with this - but PRIDE can be a real stumbling block in a Christian's life.

In my favourite book - `The Bible' - this is what God says about it:

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18

But the exciting thing is the promises of forgiveness the Lord gives us too.

"Those who walk in pride He is able to humble." Daniel 4:37b

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm. Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23&24

This verse is one of the themes of my life. Literally and spiritually, I know I stumble, but because my greatest desire is to serve the Lord, I know He will not let me fall out of his hands.

In each of the stories, we see a `happy ending', as each young man discovers, not only a love in his life (a woman), but also the love of God manifested in forgiveness through the Holy Spirit. They are freed from their grief and guilt, their anger and hatred, and their pride - as `revival' fills their hearts.

I look forward to this revival too, as I start this new year free from past hurts, griefs and pride. As I go forth to serve the Lord. If you want to do the same, pray this prayer with me.


"Lord, you know these hidden sins that fill my heart - sins of pride,
jealousy and the holding on of past hurts and griefs. Free me with
your love and fill me with your Spirit.
Help me start this year anew in You." AMEN.

P.S: I still need a little bit more challenging, so if any of my readers has a copy of `The Great Awakenings Series Book 4 - `FURY', I would love to read it.