My Revival

I hope our past few days rediscovering the purpose and power of prayer have been enlightening for you, because over the next several days I will be sharing some personal examples of how relevant it has been for me. 

As we continue our shared journey along this path of “Becoming Today”, it should not be a surprise that while we “travel” together, no two routes are identical. Most times they are more like rivers than highways. Traveling forward with an ebb and flow, meandering at times rather than the constant buzz and speed of an Interstate.

Recently I journeyed away from familiar surroundings on a trip that took me places I hadn’t planned on and taught me lessons I didn’t even know I needed.

I’m calling this somewhat unexpected, yet intensely needed course correction, “My Revival”. 

That’s not how it began, but when I had a chance encounter with a woman of prominence, who walked  up and spoke to me it’s what I just blurted out. I told her I was on”my own revival trip”.

In that brief moment of complete vulnerability and honesty I realized that’s what it was and I was being led to some deep questions and answers. 

For 11 days I appeared to be wandering, but was being guided, my every step directed.

I appeared to be traveling alone and never was. 

Most thought I was exploring the “wilderness”, but rather it was leaving no stone unturned in me. 

It was a long overdue expedition, far more than a temporary diversion I thought I needed. In retrospect it truly was a tour of my soul, an examination of self, community, the world in general and how I need to be relating to humanity. 

I’ll be sharing a bit on this over the next, oh let’s be honest I have no idea yet how many days it will take, because I have so much to share with you.  

Today let’s begin by explaining what I mean by “My Revival”, formulating our shared understanding of the concept and then discuss how to set an intention for our own process of reviving.

A basic definition of revival is “an improvement in the condition or strength of something.  Synonyms include, improvement, rallying, picking up, betterment, turn for the better, advance, rally, upturn, upswing, comeback, resurgence, renewal.

Since “My Revival” encompassed not only the spirit and essence of these examples but often the passion and power of several simultaneously, we need to tie in the emotion and fervor of the experience.

In this case it was much like an old-fashioned church revival. 

Perhaps even with some Hollywood flair. 

While there were no tents, choirs or bluegrass inspired gospel musicians, there was the recharging spirit, reignited fervor and a renewed passion for my calling.

All energies that were multiplied when I committed myself fully to be accepting of the idea, clarified my focus, sought to better understand my purpose and declare my intentions. 

So why should we be declaring? It’s more like why shouldn’t you. Once  you have identified who you are, plus what you want to be, it’s time to put things into action. What better way than by courageously communicating your aspirations.

Standing up to any fears or doubts, ready to overcome any objections or obstacles asserting your truth aligns your intentions with your thoughts and vocalizing them can catapult yourself forward in making your goals becoming reality.

For me, the call to declare is based in the Scriptures. God has called upon us to boldly proclaim. Living our beliefs requires us to be brave, dring at times, honorable, truthful and valiant.  

In 2 Timothy 1:7 we learn that God did not give us a spirit of fear; rather He created us with a spirit of power. Now that’s something He does not want us to remain quiet about, and furthermore He intends for  us to back up our words with words, transforming our talk into righteous actions. 

Also, while often overlooked, the Book of Titus, the shortest in the Bible, and  that is what makes it so important. It’s brevity allows for clear concise expectations and instructions for living a life that is in accord with the Lord.

In the letter, Paul sends to Titus, after sharing a list of instruction for how Christians should be “Becoming” at different times in our  life (Titus 2:2-6) he make no qualms about the need for boldly declaring and urges to speak loudly and carry a big declaration,  

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” 

– Titus 2:15 KJV

Plus for good measure you can also consult, Ephesians 6:19-20 “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

“My Revival” has reinforced my calling to be an ambassador. An envoy of all the possibilities that exist for ourselves and each other. To be  an emissary of what we should expect and where to seek (and receive) the answers.  

We can all find them, but first there is something required of each of us. To take a proverbial leap of faith. That’s where we’ll jump to next, tomorrow here on” Becoming Today”.