"Nothing of significance ... occurs in the spiritual realm unless it is preceded by a burden". This past Sunday night I preached a message in preparation for our upcoming Revival that focused our attention upon the importance of possessing a burden in order to receive it. Now a burden could be defined as "a passion to see things altered for the better". I remind us that: - Nehemiah possessed a burden to see that rebuilt which the enemy had torn down. - Hannah possessed a burden to see her barren condition reversed. - Paul possessed a burden to see his own countrymen receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Obviously in each of these situations the outcome that changed their situation for the better was due to the merciful intervention of GOD on their behalf. However in each of these situations it is also unmistakable that a spiritual passion consumed those who desired to see things altered for the better. I submit that both are perquisites to obtaining the miracle or blessing we stand in need of. Seriously ponder the following questions. Have I allowed my spiritual enemy to tear down any spiritual strongholds that I once possessed? Are there areas of barrenness in my spiritual life where once existed fruitfulness? Is heaven and hell a reality or just familiar words that no longer move me to tears or action? If any of these statements are personally applicable we must admit that we are a candidate for revival !!! The question is NOT do I need the Lord to restore and revive my spiritual life, but rather how much do I really want Him to work in my life !!! Is there a burden or a consuming passion to see Him altar my life for the better? Know this, a genuine burden as in all three situations mentioned above will propel one to passionate praying. In 64:1 Isaiah said to the LORD; "OH THAT THOU WOULDEST REND THE HEAVENS , THAT THOU WOULDEST COME DOWN ....". Can you feel the burden which was in his heart? He recognized that he needed to experience a Divine Intervention - and a Divine Visitation in his life. DO WE HAVE SUCH A BURDEN ??? ARE WE DESPERATE FOR GOD TO WORK IN ME AND FOR ME AND THROUGH ME ??? THEN ASK HIM AS DID ISAIAH !!! "Nothing of significance ... occurs in the spiritual realm unless it is preceded by a burden".