The other day I was in the shower, where I do the bulk of my thinking, pondering the spiritual state of Emporia. For a long time I have asked God to break the hardness of this town, and help people see their spiritual danger before it’s too late. In fact, I have even prayed for a revival – a massive spiritual awakening where repentance is as common in Emporia as a Clint Bowyer License plate.

After a season of praying for such a miracle, we can often begin to wonder if revival is simply outside the will of God. However, before we get there, we have to ask ourselves if we have done our part. Before we rule out a revival we have to consider two questions:

Have we faithfully prayed? Tupper Martin once said, “Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence. “ God works through our prayers to accomplish His will. Therefore the reason why we do not have a revival is on account of James 4: “You do not have because you do not ask.”
Have we faithfully evangelized? Mark this down. It is impossible for anyone to come to faith apart from the proclamation of the gospel. In Romans 10:14 we read: How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? The answer; they can’t. The gospel must be preached for people to come to Christ.

If we want God to bring a revival we must ask God for one. And after we ask we must faithfully share the gospel. And if Emporia is not revived on account of our faithful execution of these tasks, then at least our church will be.

Dave Hintz