Revival: A Pastor's Prayer

Finding Revival Through Obedience and Submission
As we wrap up another year, many of us are looking ahead with hope for spiritual renewal and revival. But where does true revival come from? How can we experience the transformative power of God in our lives and churches? The answer lies in understanding two fundamental principles that many of us naturally resist: obedience and submission.

Why Do We Struggle with Obedience and Submission?
When we hear the words "obey" and "submit," something inside us immediately rebels. Our natural response is often "No, I don't think so." This resistance is part of our human nature, but it's also what keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessing in our lives.

The call to obey and submit isn't a command from human authority - it's God's will for our lives. This isn't about one person having power over another, but about recognizing God's established order and authority structure.

Understanding Biblical Authority
Authority Should Be Plural
Biblical leadership should involve multiple people, not just one person in total control. When only one person holds all the authority, problems inevitably arise. We need checks and balances, with leaders who can sharpen one another through accountability and correction.

Authority Isn't About Power
True spiritual authority isn't about having power over people. Everyone in the church is essentially a volunteer - no one can force anyone else to follow. Instead, authority is about instruction in righteousness and helping people grow in their faith.

The Purpose Behind Spiritual Leadership
Leaders Are Accountable to God
Spiritual leaders carry a heavy responsibility - they're accountable to God for what their congregation knows about God's word. Whether people listen, absorb, or obey doesn't change this accountability. This is why leaders need constant prayer support.

What to Pray for Your Leaders

• Pray that they stay close to the Lord
• Pray that they love God's word (if a preacher doesn't love God's word, they don't love God)
• Pray that they walk with God daily
• Pray that they maintain a good relationship with God

When leaders maintain these spiritual disciplines, they can better serve their congregation. When there's distance between a leader and God, they cannot be what they're supposed to be.

Where Does Revival Really Come From?
Revival Comes from God
Revival isn't produced by preachers or special speakers - it comes from God. It's a product of peace between God and His people. Revival happens when we desire Him, not when we finally "act right" enough to earn it.

Revival Comes Through Christ
Jesus Christ is the true shepherd of the church. While pastors may serve as under-shepherds, Christ is the one who leads. Revival can only come when He leads the church, and He can only lead when people follow.

This means His voice is what matters most. When we follow Jesus and live like Jesus, God is pleased because He's always pleased with His Son.

Revival Glorifies God
True revival makes our lives reflect well on God. When we experience genuine revival, everything we do makes Him look good. Without God and without Christ, there can be no revival.

The Freedom Found in Following Jesus
Truth Makes Us Free
Jesus told His disciples, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Notice it doesn't say the truth will "set you free" - it says it will "make you free." When we're set free, we can choose to become enslaved again. But when we're made free through knowing and walking in truth, there's no choice but to be free.

Walking in Freedom
When we walk with Jesus, talk with Jesus, and spend time with Jesus, we experience freedom from whatever is bothering us. We don't have to worry about whether we've upset God because if we're following Jesus, we're doing what pleases the Father.

This freedom comes from Christ working in us, not from our own works. Walking with Him produces good works that are pleasing to God.

Suffering the Word of Exhortation
Sometimes we need to "suffer the word of exhortation" - meaning we need to endure correction and instruction even when we don't like it. This isn't about blindly following human authority, but about submitting to God's word as it's faithfully taught.

The goal isn't to make submission and obedience harder than they need to be. When we think it's difficult, we should seek guidance from those who have learned that following God isn't as hard as we make it.

Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to practice intentional submission to God's authority in your life. Instead of fighting against correction or instruction, ask yourself: "How can I respond with a heart of obedience rather than rebellion?"
Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:

• In what areas of my life am I resisting God's authority?
• How can I better support and pray for the spiritual leaders in my life?
• What would change in my daily routine if I truly believed that following Jesus leads to freedom?
• Am I seeking revival through my own efforts, or am I positioning myself to receive what God wants to give?

Remember, revival starts with individual hearts that are willing to obey and submit to God's leading. As we enter a new year, let's commit to following our true Shepherd more closely, trusting that His grace will work in us, through us, and for us as we walk in obedience to His word.