English revivalist Gypsy Smith used to challenge those who desired to see revival to draw a three-foot circle, kneel in the middle of that circle, and ask God to revive everyone in the circle. In other words, revival must begin in me. I am taking his challenge; I want to see revival.
When I speak of revival, I am not speaking of a series of meetings to attend to hear uplifting music and inspiring preaching, though often revival occurs during such a time. I am not speaking of an emotional experience brought on by a special event, though emotion often accompanies true revival. When I speak of revival, I am not speaking of a grand declaration of my own intention to change my ways, though true revival always results in altered behavior.
As I pray for revival, I am asking God to perform deep surgery on my soul. I want Him to make sure every ambition of my life is centered firmly in Christ. I want Him to make sure every thought is brought into obedience to Christ. I want Him to make sure every fiber of my being is surrendered to His Lordship. I pray that God will do a work in my life that goes far beyond scheduled meetings and emotional displays; I am praying that He will CHANGE me, that He will make me more like Jesus.
I want to love who and how He loves. I want to see what He sees, painful as it may be. I want to go where He sends, and do what He says. I desire a life totally immersed in Jesus. I want my sinful attitudes, actions, and affections crucified in my fleshly existence. I want His priorities to become my priorities, and for my will to be lost in His. I want to set my affections on Him and seek His Kingdom first and foremost.
I want Him to remove any negativity and pessimism from my spirit. I am asking Him to give me strength to stand firm and favor with those in front of whom I must stand. I pray that He will make me wise as a serpent but as innocent as a dove.
This is where I am. I am sorry, but there is no room for you in my circle; but there is plenty of room for other circles. Will you pick up a piece of chalk and draw one for yourself?