Redigging the wells of Revival

The concept of "redigging the wells of revival" is a powerful metaphor often used in Christian preaching to call believers back to a place of spiritual renewal, fervor, and passion for God. The idea is rooted in the story of Isaac in Genesis 26, where he reopens the wells that his father Abraham had dug, which had been stopped up by the Philistines. These wells represent sources of life and blessing, and the act of reopening them symbolizes a return to foundational truths and a desire to experience a fresh move of God's Spirit.

### **Sermon Outline: Redigging the Wells of Revival**

**Text:** Genesis 26:12-25

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Chapter 26

Isaac planted crops in that land and took in a huge harvest. GOD blessed him. The man got richer and richer by the day until he was very wealthy. He accumulated flocks and herds and many, many servants, so much so that the Philistines began to envy him. They got back at him by throwing dirt and debris into all the wells that his father’s servants had dug back in the days of his father Abraham, clogging up all the wells.

**Introduction:**

- **Historical Context:** In Genesis 26, we see Isaac facing a difficult time of famine. He goes to the land of Gerar, and while there, he revisits the wells that Abraham, his father, had originally dug.

- **The Symbolism of Wells:** In the Bible, wells are often symbolic of God's provision, spiritual life, and revival. They represent the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the living water that Jesus speaks about in John 4:13-14.

- **Relevance Today:** Just as Isaac had to redig the wells that had been stopped up, we must often revisit and reclaim the spiritual practices, disciplines, and fervor that have been buried under complacency, sin, or neglect.

### **1. Recognizing the Need for Revival**

- **Spiritual Dryness:** Just as the land experienced famine, many churches and individuals today are experiencing spiritual dryness. There is a longing for the "living water" that only God can provide.

- **Blocked Wells:** What are the things that have blocked our wells? Unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, bitterness, worldliness, or distractions can block the flow of God's Spirit in our lives.

- **Scriptural Example:** Psalm 42:1-2 — "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

**Application:** Reflect on areas of spiritual dryness in your life. Identify what has caused the "wells" to be stopped up.

### **2. Returning to the Wells of Our Fathers**

- **Isaac’s Action:** Isaac did not seek new sources of water; he went back to the old wells of Abraham. This is a call to return to the foundational truths of the faith and the practices that have brought revival in the past.

- **Historical Revivals:** Think about past revivals — the First and Second Great Awakenings, the Welsh Revival, the Azusa Street Revival. They all have common elements: repentance, prayer, a hunger for God, and the proclamation of the Word.

- **Spiritual Foundations:** Redigging the wells means returning to foundational practices such as:

- **Prayer:** A commitment to fervent, consistent prayer. Acts 2:42 shows the early church devoted to prayer, resulting in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

- **Holiness:** Living a life set apart for God, seeking His righteousness.

- **Scripture:** A renewed passion for reading, studying, and obeying God’s Word.

**Application:** Are we willing to return to the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and the Word that have historically sparked revivals?

### **3. Persevering Through Opposition**

- **Conflict Over the Wells:** In Genesis 26:20-21, we see that as Isaac redigs the wells, there is conflict with the herdsmen of Gerar. They claim the water for themselves, leading to disputes.

- **Spiritual Opposition:** When we seek to redig the wells of revival in our lives, we should expect opposition. This could come in the form of spiritual warfare, distractions, or discouragement.

- **Perseverance:** Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

- **Victory Through Faithfulness:** Isaac did not give up; he moved from one well to another until he finally found a place where there was no opposition. The well of Rehoboth represented a place of fruitfulness and peace.

**Application:** We must be prepared to face and overcome opposition as we seek revival. Are we willing to press on despite challenges?

### **4. Experiencing the Rehoboth Moment**

- **A Place of Fruitfulness:** Isaac names the last well "Rehoboth," meaning "room" or "broad place," signifying that the Lord had made room for them, and they would be fruitful.

- **The Promise of Revival:** When we faithfully redig the wells, God will make room for His Spirit to move in our lives, churches, and communities. Revival is marked by a renewed sense of God’s presence, transformed lives, and a deepening of faith.

- **Scriptural Promise:** 2 Chronicles 7:14 — "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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

**Application:** Pray for a Rehoboth moment — a time when God’s Spirit moves freely and powerfully, bringing new life and transformation.

### **Conclusion: Digging Deeper for Living Water**

- **Personal Call:** Are there wells in your life that have been blocked? Is there a need to redig and reclaim your spiritual passion?

- **Corporate Call:** As a church, are we seeking God for revival? Are we willing to go back to the basics of prayer, repentance, and a hunger for God’s presence?

- **Invitation:** Take a moment to pray, asking God to help you redig the wells in your life. Invite Him to pour out His Spirit anew.

### **Closing Prayer:**

"Lord, we come before You today with a desire for revival. Help us to redig the wells in our hearts and lives that have been stopped up by sin, neglect, or distractions. We ask for Your living water to flow freely in us once again. Revive us, O Lord, and make us vessels of Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen."

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This sermon is a call to action, a reminder that revival starts with individuals who are willing to seek God, repent, and return to the practices that bring spiritual life. It emphasizes perseverance and the promise that God is faithful to respond when His people seek Him earnestly.