A consuming passion of my life is genuine revival and spiritual awakening. I want more than anything to see the glory of God displayed in our generation. Alongside this passion is a desire to share revival truth – Biblical principles that if applied to our lives will usher in the work of God in our lives, churches, and subsequently, our nation and world. The more people I talk to about revival the more I realize that very few actually know what revival is. Every good Christian would agree that we need revival, but no one seems to know what it looks like. This is understandable, given that America hasn’t seen spiritual awakening since the most of our great-grandparents were alive.
As a result, there is a lot of confusion about revival. There are movements that have been attributed to revival that are simply not revival. The word “revival” has got to be one of the most misused words in the English language. We throw it out there to describe any new movement or excitement that comes along. Truth is, revival is more than goosebumps. I thought it would be good to deal with some common myths about revival. So, here goes!
Common myths about revival:
1. We can make it happen. Question: What can a man in a coma do? Answer: Nothing. If the church is asleep (and it is) then God is the only one who can wake us up.
Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” (John 6:44) Jesus is talking about salvation here, but I think the same is true in revival. He’s got to do the calling before we can answer the call.
Now, I know there are all sorts of views on man’s free will, but all debate aside… We cannot revive ourselves! I think we’d all agree with that. If it were entirely up to us, then why pray for revival? It’s true that we have a responsibility to respond to God when He comes in revival, but the point is, God started it. Revival is God-initiated. He wants it more than we do!
Revival begins in the heart of God and comes through the hand of God. Think about it. We sense our need for revival only because God has opened our eyes to see our need. The desire to pray for revival comes from God. The reason you’re reading this blog is because God wants to stoke the fires of revival in your heart. If you have a burden for revival, then that is proof that God has already begun to revive! I don’t know about you, but that fills me with praying faith, because I know I’m praying according to His will, and when God starts something He finishes it!
When Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come forth!” that’s exactly what Lazarus did. If Jesus would have never called him, he would have never woken up. Jesus is calling His Church, just as He called Lazarus, to wake up. Revival involves both God’s will and ours. Will you get up? Will you let God revive you? The ball is rolling, so to speak. What will you do with it?
Stay tuned...
