Revival

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Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

James 4:8 (NLT)

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All stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Some of the greatest stories, in my opinion, have many story arcs (beginnings, middles, and ends) within the wider storyline. Right now, in this part of the story it can seem as if we are stuck in a really long ‘middle’, and perhaps in the wider timeline of eternity, the middle could sum up where we are. But you see, this is not the middle of your story, it is the middle of a small part of your story. Your story is a great one because the author is the Great One. So, believe me when I say, this part of your story will come to an end, but He has not finished with you.

Lockdown may be beginning to be released and slowly the pace of your story may pick up. But here is the key – don’t go back to the same old story arcs but rather go forward into a new chapter and invite the Author to have the pen. You see, lockdown has given us a rare gift – the gift of stillness. We have come to realise the simple pleasures in life. We have been ever more aware of our own faith journey. We have had the chance to refocus; maybe returning to prayer, or bible study, or just incorporating them more into our daily lives. This is a good thing and He wants that to continue. But that is where the challenge lies. As life begins to speed up, don’t be tempted to return to old ways, as easy as it would be - don’t rush to the past, rather let him work through your future.

I really believe that there has been a great spiritual awakening and now is a time of revival. But maybe not in the traditional sense of church buildings being filled or things like that from revivals of the past, but actually a more authentic, a more twenty-first century revival – one of a church in touch with its roots, and one of deep relationships with each other, but most importantly with God. There is a challenge and a temptation but take the time today to invite Him into your life anew and ask for His strength to face whatever the next chapter of your story may have in store. All around us our lives can seem to be falling apart and yet, in our weakness He is our strength. In our sadness, He is our comfort. In the despair, He is the hope. We are called to lead our lives differently. He has called you to be different. Come close to Him today and ask for His revival.

Your strength that found me at my weakest Your grace poured out at my despair When I feel lifeless, tired, burned out and defeated Your perfect love will find me there You called my name, you made all things new Oh, I was dead but look at me now, I've found revival in you You gave me life, 'cause that's what you do Oh, I was dead, but look at me now I've found revival in you

'Revival' - Zach Williams