This year, as I look back, one of the main themes for me was revival!
The process of being revived started in the fall of 2010, but God was just preparing me for some events that took place this year that really brought about revival in my heart!
For one, God showed me what brokenness looks like. God showed me more of the depth of my sins.
Honestly when you grow up in a church and are surrounded by Christians all the time…well it’s easy to think you’re pretty good! But God hit me upside the head a few times (I like to call these “spiritual 2×4″ moments). Painful, but oh so wonderful to have Him show you more of Himself! Having no hidden areas from God is a beautiful thing!
One question that was impressed on my heart over and over was: If someone was to come and look at every corner of my life, my house, my heart; if someone read every email, looked at every webpage I visited; if someone read my journals; if someone watched every moment of my day or could read every thought: Would I point them to Jesus? Is my heart and life Christ-centered?
I don’t think we should be Christ-centered for the sake of others, but I believe it honors God when we strive to lay it all aside for the glory of Christ.
The other aspect of revival came with having a clear conscience with others. There was a situation in my life I thought was a dead end…but not with God! God revived a relationship, brought closure to pain, and brought amazing healing as only He could! As I look back, this event FREED me! I didn’t realize how having this “baggage” hanging over me was weighing me down to experiences real revival!
Brokenness + clear conscience = REVIVAL!
Revival brings depths of joy, peace, and begins to open up deeper levels of intimacy with my Savior! I wish this for everyone who calls on the name of Jesus!
For 2012: Be more God-honoring, Christ-Centered and Holy-Spirit filled! All for His glory!