As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.
-I Kings 11:4
We hear a lot these days about the need for revival, and count me in as being one who believes it’s true – we do need revival; in our hearts, our families, and in our churches. But do we understand the factors involved with revival coming to an end? What are the causes of a time of revival ending? There are some things that can happen which effectively end any period of revival in our lives. The one overriding element is turning away from God. Once that happens the revival is over. No one ever experienced any spiritual growth while in a state of rebellion against God. And let us never become so arrogant and self-assured that we believe it could never happen to us, for it can.
The scripture shows us numerous examples of people who were experiencing tremendous revival in their lives only to have it all come to an end. Every time the cause had at its heart rebellion against Almighty God. There are instances when servants of God were running a good race and they were walking with God. But somehow they got off track, they were tempted, they gave in, and soon they had turned away from God – thus ending the period of revival and spiritual renewal. One of the most wise and successful kings the nation of Israel ever had, King Solomon, unfortunately came down the home stretch of his life and turned away from God. Like some others in the Bible, he allowed himself to be drawn away by the lure of idolatry, and as a result a once great servant of God lost the power of God in his life. His time of revival, spiritual blessing, and spiritual victory came to an abrupt halt.
We would do well to take a close look at our lives and seek a constant and consistent walk with Christ. As we walk with the Lord we will find the strength to remain in His will and therefore under His blessing.
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