There seems to be more talk about Revival these days. But just what is a revival and how do these things work? What do we expect of them and how can we make them happen? I would guess that for as many people asked those questions, you’d get as many different answers. We all have our preconceived ideas. But what does revival really mean and how is it maintained?
My husband has done a study on the history of revivals and has created a study/workshop on Implementing the Essentials of Revival.[1] Quite an eye-opening study. Although we can know and agree on some things about revivals, such as, they are preceded by concerted prayer (though concerted prayer doesn’t always lead to revival), we cannot know how or when the most important element will manifest: the Spirit of God.
As the Wind Blows
We cannot put God in a box. He moves as he wills.
My husband was born again in a revival in the early 70s (aka the Jesus People Movement) so I know revivals happen and am thankful for such outpourings of the Holy Spirit! But what about after things settle back down? How do we maintain our own personal “revival” spirit? Is it even possible?
The bulk of the New Testament was written to speak to problems in the early church and how we are supposed to live as believers in Jesus Christ. Each epistle, especially, is a call to the people of God to align themselves in obedience with God’s word, with Jesus’ teachings. Here, in scripture, is the “food” for our growth, our sanctification (process of becoming holy); it is the material the Spirit of God uses to teach us God’s will and way.
It would take pages for me to highlight some of the things we have already been given (taught) in God’s word about how to live a godly life in Christ. It’s all there in scripture. Many in the world today do not have God’s word but I trust you are taking advantage of the fact that you have the word of God to study and learn from as God teaches by his Spirit.
Realities of Revival
As I mentioned above, we all can agree prayer is a major part of getting our hearts tuned for revival. Another is increasing in the knowledge of God; his will and way, through seeking him in the Bible, being teachable and learning, putting the word of God into practice in our lives. These things prepare us in everyday life to receive the work of God’s Spirit.
Oswald Chambers pointed out a crucial aspect of maintaining our walk with the Lord when he said, “One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. … all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than his way. And his way means absolute devotion to him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.”[2]
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
“Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Revival indeed.
[1] For more information on Essentials of Revival contact jacqueline@jacquelinegwallace.com
[2] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 9, Updated English, emphases added.