This article accompanies Pastor’s sermon on experiencing revival and discovering God’s plan. Watch the full message below:
When Life Feels Out of Control
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work, family, and responsibilities. But what happens when life suddenly spins out of control? What happens when everything you’ve carefully planned comes crashing down?
Here’s the powerful truth: God’s plan for your life remains unshaken, even when your world is shaking.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:17
The Illusion of Control
Many of us live with the illusion that we’re in control of our lives. We make plans, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. But God often uses our darkest moments to reveal a profound truth: we were never really in control in the first place.
The Danger of Having It All
Perhaps even more dangerous than losing everything is thinking we have everything. When life is good, our careers are thriving, and our families are healthy, we face a subtle but serious spiritual threat: self-sufficiency.
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” – Revelation 3:17
The Seashell Trap
Consider this sobering thought: Will you spend your retirement collecting seashells, or will you invest in eternal purposes? Your answer to this question reveals everything about your understanding of God’s plan for your life.
Rekindling Your First Love
But what if you’re somewhere in between – neither in crisis nor on top of the world? What if you’re just…stuck? Many Christians find themselves in this spiritual lukewarm state, having lost the passion they once had for God.
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” – Revelation 2:4
Signs You’ve Lost Your First Love
- Prayer feels more like a duty than a delight
- Worship has become routine
- Scripture doesn’t move you like it used to
- Ministry has become performance rather than passion
The Path to Personal Revival
Revival isn’t just a church event – it’s a personal journey back to your first love. Here are three crucial steps:
1. Humble Yourself
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10
True revival begins with acknowledging our desperate need for God. It means laying aside our self-sufficiency and admitting we can’t do life on our own.
2. Repent Genuinely
Repentance isn’t just feeling sorry – it’s actively turning away from whatever has taken God’s place in your life. Whether it’s career, comfort, or even ministry success, anything that overshadows God must be surrendered.
3. Seek Him Persistently
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
Revival isn’t a one-time emotional experience. It’s a daily choice to seek God with your whole heart, regardless of circumstances.
Your Personal Revival Challenge
Here’s your challenge for the next 7 days:
- Morning Surrender: Start each day by declaring “Jesus is my revival”
- Intentional Blessing: Say “I bless you in Jesus’ name” to at least one person daily
- Evening Reflection: Ask yourself, “Did I live for eternal purposes today?”
The Promise of More
Remember this: There is always more with God. Whether you’re 25 or 75, God’s plan for your life is bigger than your current experience of Him. The world is waiting to see what God can do through one fully surrendered life.
Will you be that person?
“The world has yet to see what God can do through a man or woman who is totally yielded to Him.”
A Prayer for Revival
Lord, rekindle the fire of first love in our hearts. We humble ourselves before you, acknowledging our need for revival. Show us your plan for our lives, and give us the courage to follow wherever you lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your Next Step: Share this article with someone who needs encouragement, and start your 7-day revival challenge today. Remember, revival isn’t coming – it’s available now through Jesus Christ.