Often You Have To Pursue God When You Don't Feel Like It (Clip)
Shane Idleman teaches that believers must actively pursue God and spiritual renewal even when they don't feel motivated, trusting that joy and revival will follow.
This sermon emphasizes the desire for spiritual revival and renewal, seeking God to reignite passion, prayer, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It acknowledges the need for improvement in various roles like fatherhood, marriage, and pastoral duties, calling for humility and brokenness before God. The message centers on the plea for a clean heart, a renewed fire, and a revival of spiritual fervor, even in times of spiritual dryness, with the promise of joy to follow as we persevere through fleshly struggles.
Full Transcript
Oh God, revive me again. Oh that the bones may rejoice again. God, ignite in me that passion again.
I don't feel it right now, but God, I want that fire of prayer. I want the anointing of the Holy Spirit on my life. I need to be a better father.
I need to be a better husband. I need to be a better pastor. I need to be broken and humble at that altar.
Oh God, create in me a clean heart. Renew that fire again. God, revive me again.
And the joy comes later. Often we have to pursue God when you don't feel like it. But the joy comes later.
The reason is you're fighting your flesh. You're fighting the flesh. Of course you don't feel like it.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Need for Revival
- Recognizing spiritual dryness
- Asking God to revive and renew
- Desiring a clean heart and humility
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II. Pursuing God Despite Feelings
- Understanding the battle with the flesh
- Choosing to seek God even when unmotivated
- Trusting that joy will come later
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III. The Outcome of Persistent Pursuit
- Receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit
- Experiencing renewed passion for prayer
- Growing in roles as father, husband, and pastor
Key Quotes
“Oh God, revive me again. Oh that the bones may rejoice again.” — Shane Idleman
“Often we have to pursue God when you don't feel like it. But the joy comes later.” — Shane Idleman
“The reason is you're fighting your flesh. You're fighting the flesh.” — Shane Idleman
Application Points
- Commit to seeking God daily even when your emotions are low.
- Pray specifically for God to renew your heart and ignite passion.
- Embrace humility and brokenness as a pathway to spiritual revival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Shane say we have to pursue God even when we don't feel like it?
Because spiritual growth often requires fighting against our flesh and feelings, trusting that joy and revival will come as a result.
What does revival mean in this sermon?
Revival refers to a renewed passion for God, prayer, and living a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
How can I ask God for revival according to the sermon?
By praying earnestly for God to create a clean heart, renew your spirit, and ignite passion even when you don't feel it.
What role does humility play in revival?
Humility is essential as it prepares the heart to be broken and open before God for true renewal.