For a number of years a group of us has been meeting in Inverness, Scotland, with the specific purpose of praying for revival, with many believing that that would change the direction of our nation, our communities and our homes.

As our nation’s direction and moral climate have spiraled downward many heart’s cries have been for revival of a historic proportion.

A survey of revivals can be summarized with the observation that genuine heaven sent revival resurrects dead Christians and churches, while at the same time it changes the direction of a nation.

We have seen this in Scotland. Some would say the most recent was in the late 1940’s, but we have had men preaching the Word of God during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s, during which time there was experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I have been involved in that for over forty years.

Recently I receive a piece on revival quoting the Old Testament passage in II Chronicles Chapter 7 and at verse 14. “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and heal their land.”

I have heard this quoted over the years. There was even a very fine musical based on these word away back in the 1970’s.

But, and it is a very big ‘but’. That verse is only half a sentence and it refers specifically to Israel in times of drought and plague. Now, those of you reading this, please do check it out. Why?

I have met many people over these past twenty or more years who have taken this verse and done all that is asked for in this verse and nothing has happened!

They have become most disappointed and some even depressed and a few have left the Church of Jesus Christ because their hopes and dreams have been dashed. They were false hopes and false dreams because they had not been taught the context of the passage.

That is why I ask you and particularly if you are a Christian leader to check it out.

We had a superb day Conference in Inverness on the first Saturday of last year on the topic of ‘revival’. Perhaps I ought to write my rough notes about this for Ezine. There are certain truths which leaders need to see, know, understand, and teach.

Let me say to all who read this. Do not give up. Do not give in.

Remember Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s words spoken to young people in very different circumstances. “Never, never, never, never, never, give up!”

Jesus Christ did not give up, or give in, and we are called to follow Him.

Sandy Shaw