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By Rev Don Rivers
Revival has been a theme in the racing world these past few weeks. To revive something takes effort and time. Things have to be undone and new things have to be done. How about our lives? Is there something that needs to be revived? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
North Wilkesboro Speedway has risen from the ashes and been brought roaring back to life. An interesting side note, it was North Wilkesboro’s closing that provided New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a Cup date. I visited the track while it laid dormant. It was neat to relive the memories; most everything was as it was left when it closed. The billboards, the paint, looked like something that hadn’t been touched in many years.
There she sat, looking like a grey ghost, silently reflecting the past, a bygone era of when short tracks dominated the racing world. It is curious how we remember things when we look back. Things in our mind are bigger than life.
As I sat there gazing at the skeleton of the glory that once was; I could imagine in my mind the noise of the cars, the crowds of people, all the sights and sounds of race day. There had been talk of bringing her back. There had been efforts to get the ball rolling. The question asked; wouldn’t it be cool to run here again?
That day came to be. Through the work of so many and the efforts and labors birthed in the desires to return to a simpler time and just race! Seems there were more than a few folks who wanted to relive the glory days of short track racing. The mighty modifieds opened the show and packed the house. Fitting that it was the mighty modifieds returning North Wilkesboro to her former glory. It was these same modifieds that got this stock car racing thing going in the first place.
Revival is an interesting endeavor. Before anything can happen, someone needs to see value in what is to be revived. It takes a special eye to see value in the ruins of yesterday. Most of us just pass by and conclude it is not worth the effort.
Ezekiel 37:1-3; The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”
God asked Ezekiel an interesting question. Much like the question many asked about North Wilkesboro, can life be breathed back into something so dead? Ezekiel answered that only God knew if they could live. God instructed Ezekiel to speak.
Ezekiel 37:4; Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord!
I encourage you to read the entire passage, Ezekiel 37:1-15, you will find the valley of dry bones became a great army, the nation of Israel, restored to their lands and former glory. All because of the Word of the Lord.
Let’s put a different face on revival; what if it is a person? How do we handle it when we know someone who is in need of a fresh start, a do over, a clean slate? Revive, refresh and renew, the re’s of a new beginning.
Re is a prefix that indicates we need to do it again. I am glad God is patient with me and allows me to start over with a clean slate each time I fall short. Revival begins with listening to the word of the Lord. Much like the builders we talked about last week, to withstand the storm we need to follow the instructions of the Lord.
But what about the other guy? Is there any hope for him? Here he is sitting on the ground, his life destroyed all around him. Does he have hope? Yes!
Ezekiel 37:4; Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord!
Jesus welcomes anyone no matter what their past looks like. He doesn’t require anything from us other than to accept His gift of grace. Come as you are, even if we are just dried up bones, and he will breathe life into us.
Mathew 11:28-30; Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
John 10:10; The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Revival is available and necessary for us to experience the blessing God has for us. He didn’t intend for this life to be a burden. With his presence in our lives, we are able to withstand the storms and still be standing. He provides for all our needs.
Psalm 23:1-3; 1The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.
Let’s set our focus on revival, listen to the words of the Lord, follow His guidance and instruction and let his blessing and provision take our life in a new direction.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
