A Call for Survival that Broke Out in Revival

When we look at the state of our world, it's not hard to admit that we're in a mess—physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, relationally, and especially spiritually. What we need most isn't another quick fix or political solution, but revival. Not just a series of meetings, not just an event with good music and fiery preaching, but a true work of God's Spirit that renews His people from the inside out. Revival, at its heart, is about life being restored, love being rekindled, and God's people walking again in His power and purpose.

The Bible paints a clear picture of revival. Isaiah says God dwells "with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite" (Isaiah 57:15). Revival isn't about hype or emotional display—it's about God breathing new life into weary souls and calling His people back to holiness, love, and mission. The psalmist asked, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6). True revival brings joy, healing, and a renewed focus on Jesus Christ as Lord.

Revival is needed whenever our love grows cold, whenever we are complacent, whenever we excuse sin, or whenever we forget the lost and hurting around us. Scripture warns us against becoming lukewarm, prideful, or unforgiving (Revelation 3:15-17; Matthew 6:14-15). These are signs that we need to return to God's heart. Revival starts not with the masses but with the individual—it begins when one person draws a circle around themselves and prays, "Lord, send revival, and start it in me." From there, God's Spirit can move in a family, a church, and even a nation.

The challenge for us today is simple yet powerful: Will we humble ourselves before God and ask Him to bring revival in our own hearts? Will we open our lives fully to His Spirit's renewing work? Let us not quench the Spirit, but instead fan into flame the gift God has given us (2 Timothy 1:6). Through prayer, study of His Word, and walking in unity as a church family, revival can break forth—not because we planned it, but because God delights to restore His people. May we rise to the challenge and cry out with all our hearts: "Lord, send revival, and let it begin with me."

Tests and Trials: More Than Gold

Life brings each of us tests and trials, though what seems overwhelming to one person may hardly affect another. Peter, writing to believers in Asia Minor, doesn't rank suffering or provide a scale for measuring pain. Instead, he reminds us that all tests—big or small—can be places where God is present and working. Whether we face a loss, a hardship at work, or deep personal pain, Scripture acknowledges the reality of our suffering without diminishing it.

Peter emphasizes that trials are not meaningless interruptions, but opportunities for refining. Just as gold is purified in fire, our faith is shaped and proven through difficulty. Notice Peter's words—he doesn't say we become valuable like gold; he says our faith is already "of greater worth than gold." Trials don't determine our worth; they reveal and refine it. God sees us as precious and continues to work through life's fires to bring about His glory and our growth.

Another critical truth is that no trial lasts forever. While suffering can feel endless in the moment, Peter reminds us that there is an "end result"—the salvation of our souls. Revelation 21 promises a day when there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Until then, we are not abandoned. God promises His presence, His Spirit, and His strength to walk with us, just as He walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.

Finally, trials serve a dual purpose: they prepare us for honor when Christ is revealed and give us opportunities to bring Him praise now. Faith that endures hardship becomes a testimony. It shines to the world that our trust is not in circumstances but in a Savior who overcame the ultimate trial—the cross—for our redemption. Communion itself reminds us that out of Christ's suffering came the greatest grace.

Challenge for the Week:
Spend time this week reading 1 Peter 1:6–9, Hebrews 13:5–6, and Revelation 21:4. In prayer, reflect on a trial you are facing (or have faced) and ask God to show you how He is refining your faith through it. Consider sharing encouragement with someone else walking through difficulty—your words may be part of how God carries them. And join us this Sunday as we gather as a community to remember together that no trial lasts forever, and Christ is with us always.

Who Am I? Exodus 3:1-15

Moses meets God on the far side of the wilderness—dry, desolate Horeb—while doing ordinary work. A thorn bush burns but is not consumed; a voice calls his name twice: "Moses, Moses." The man with an identity crisis ("Who am I?") is invited onto holy ground by the God who is never in crisis ("I AM who I AM"). This scene reframes our deserts: places that feel like wastelands can become places of encounter when God draws near.

God reveals His heart before He gives Moses a task: "I have seen… I have heard… I am concerned… so I have come down to rescue." Only then does He say, "Now go. I am sending you." Holiness is not escape from the world; it is God's presence that transforms people in the world—and then sends them back as co-partners in His rescue and redemption.

Moses lists his disqualifiers—past mistakes, second-son status, lack of eloquence, a life that didn't go to plan. God answers every "Who am I?" with "I will be with you." The Holy One turns thorn-bush places—pain, regret, delay—into holy ground, not to shame us but to sanctify us, rename us, and give us a mission that is bigger than our failures.

This story invites us to take off our sandals—to remove the small barriers between us and God's presence—and listen for our name spoken in love. The same God who saw Israel's misery sees yours. The same God who sent Moses sends us: to notice need, to speak hope in Jesus' name, and to walk with people from bondage toward freedom.

Challenge for the week: Set aside a daily "holy ground" moment: place your shoes by the door and pray, "Here I am." Read and reflect on Exodus 3:1–15, Psalm 121, and John 8:12 ("I am the light of the world"). Journal where you sense God saying, "I have seen… I will be with you," and share one insight in conversation or small group. Pray about one concrete way to co-partner with God's rescue this week—serve, give, encourage, or intercede—and stay connected with our church family as we walk this out together.