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Disappointments. Failures. Broken relationships. That's the way many people will enter this coming year. But we don't have to. We can begin next year with a renewed heart and fresh vision. That's one reason that I've stressed the need for a spiritual awakening. Revival means "new life." It's a fresh beginning.
Early in my Christian life, my heart was aflame for Christ. I told my friends, colleagues, family and anyone who would listen what Jesus had done for me. I loved the Savior and wanted others to know Him. But after two years, I began to drift. I didn't turn my back on God. But I did make small compromises. And those little concessions would become big deficiencies in my walk with God. It wouldn't take long before I would be totally defeated. I would do things that I knew were wrong. But most importantly, I lost my passion for Christ.
I began to think that I could never be used of God again. I felt defeated - hopeless. Then one day, I knelt before God in brokenness and repented. God's peace began to fill my heart. The question still plagued my heart. Would God forgive and restore me? I was afraid to do what God had called me to do because I felt like such a failure. As I learned of the grace and forgiveness of God, I realized that repentance and forgiveness always go hand in hand. And where there's genuine repentance, there's always great grace. By faith, I began to serve the Lord.
I knew that I was completely unworthy. I didn't deserve to be able to serve Him. But that was just the attitude that God was looking for. He wanted to use me. But the position that God desires in our hearts is that of brokenness. He can use the life of one who is broken and contrite in their hearts.
I found hope in that great truth. I didn't have live with my eyes in the rear view mirror. That can be a very dangerous way to live. When we're continually looking backwards, then we're likely to wreck our lives. If we try to live in the past, then we risk calamity in the future.
When we look forward, that doesn't guarantee that we'll never crash. But it surely does reduce the likelihood of a fatal collision. I must live with my eyes fixed straight ahead of me - with my focus on Jesus. He's the hope for my future and grace for my past. Revival is simply a fresh glimpse of the Savior. He will never fail you. He's the great Shepherd. He'll lead you through the dangerous paths of life. He will bring you safely to pastures so green.
Don't begin this year looking back. Look ahead. Place your focus on Jesus and what He wants to do. Begin this new year with a spirit of revival.
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