The Revival Trap
December 19, 2008

“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.’” – Zechariah 1:3

It is easy to fall into the revival trap: to pray for revival but to take no personal responsibility for it.

It happens when we want the outward fire and emotion and fervor of revival … but we don’t want to make any changes to the sin that saps our inward strength.

It happens when we want unbelievers “out there” to experience salvation … but we don’t realize that we ourselves are in desperate need of sanctification.

It happens when we want to see God do a great work for us … but we don’t want to put forth any effort to do great works for God.

Zechariah declares God’s response to the revival trap: “Return to me, that I may return to you.”

It is as if God is saying, “So you want revival? You want the fire, the zeal, the conversions, the miracles? The ball is in your court, not mine! What will you do about it? Will you confess and repent of your sin? Your apathy? Your ignorance? Your rebellion? Your laziness? Will you return to me with your whole heart and an undivided spirit? Will you follow me 100%? When you do, then I will open heaven and pour out a revival like nothing you have ever dreamed of! But it starts with you.”

• How important is it to you that you, your church, and your community experience revival?
  
• Is there anything that you are you doing or not doing that could prevent revival from happening in your life, your church, and your community?
  
• If there is something you need to change in your life, what concrete steps will you take to “return to the Lord” so that God can bring revival to your heart, your church, and your community?
  
• Spend time in prayer for revival in your heart, your church, and your community.