Day 16 - "City Revival"

By Jeremy Duggins, Associate Pastor

Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?  Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him that glory may dwell in our land.  -Psalm 85:6-9      

The cry of David’s heart for Israel is the cry of my heart for America. God, will you not revive us again?  That’s the question I find myself asking God every time I read Psalm 85. Something always rises to the surface of my soul and causes me to dream about America being a nation the makes room for the glory of God to dwell in our land.

I wholeheartedly believe that our generation will see the greatest revival that our nation has ever known. Yes, I am well aware of the current state of our nation. I realize that America is pushing God further and further away every single day. I realize that without a major revival, our nation is hopeless. And that’s what gives me hope! Because our God is a God of revival!

Isn’t that what the gospel is all about? Didn’t Jesus show up in the most unlikely place at the most unlikely time? This is exactly how revival happens. God is looking for desperate hearts of men and women that would be willing to host His presence and carry His life throughout our nation. This is the gospel. This is the life that Jesus lived. Jesus was the ultimate revivalist.

As believers we have a mandate to intercede on behalf of our nation. We are responsible to stand in the gap for the sins that America has committed against God. And as believers we need to ask God to send another great awakening to our nation.

Revival doesn’t start on a national level. It starts in the hearts of people and then it spreads to churches, cities, regions, and ultimately nations. What if Fredericksburg was the catalyst for a national revival? What if our community lived in such unity with God and with one another that the glory of God actually rested on our city? Do you believe that’s even possible? I do! In fact this is what keeps me up at night and wakes me up in the morning.

I believe it’s possible to experience the manifest presence of God at our local Starbucks. I believe we will see the day when the denominational barriers that stand between the churches in Fredericksburg are broken down so that we can come together in unity and advance the Kingdom of God. I believe God wants to tear down strongholds and break chains of injustice in Fredericksburg. I believe that every lost soul in our city can be saved!

Revival isn’t complicated. To be a revivalist you don’t have to be the most qualified or the most talented. You just have to be willing and available. Above all else you have to be hungry for the presence of God! Revival comes out of desperation. Are you desperate for the presence of God to rule and reign in this city?

 Let’s commit to give ourselves entirely to see revival in Fredericksburg. Let the life of Jesus fill your heart so that you can carry His presence into the hearts, homes, and streets of the city. The gospel of Jesus is much more than a prayer. It is the transforming power of God that lives in our hearts. When followers of Jesus learn how to release His power into the atmosphere of the city we can be sure that revival is coming!

 Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you believe revival is coming to America?
   
2. Do you believe Fredericksburg could be the catalyst for this great awakening?
   
3. Do you believe it’s possible for the glory of God to dwell in our city?
   
4. What can you personally do to bring revival into your home, your workplace, your church, and your city?
   

 

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