Many of God’s people believe that we are on the verge of a revival in our day. There is a disruption of norms, a hunger for God, a deep sense of need. Only the Lord knows – and only He can send a spiritual awakening. In the words of G. Campbell Morgan, “We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit when He blows upon us.” It’s time to get our sails up!
As always, begin with your Bible. Read about one of the greatest revivals in history in the book of Jonah. Pray your way through the prophet Habakkuk. Examine the principles of revival in the early New Testament church. But remember that spiritual awakenings are to extend to every generation. They have taken place throughout history and it is the great need of our hour.
There are a host of great volumes that I would like to recommend, but in keeping with a short list here are five that have been a personal blessing to me. I measure books by a combination of two elements: how they challenge my thinking and how they warm my heart. Great books do both. They are written by men with both great minds and great hearts…
Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill (There are some authors who write with a deep burden for revival. Leonard Ravenhill was such a man. He was an exhorter, a man who spoke and wrote with the boldness and conviction of a prophet. His writings will stir your heart and make you hungry to seek the Lord.)
Road To Revival by Vance Havner (Read anything – everything! – by Havner. This was a man who knew God and walked in the power of the Holy Spirit.)
Heart-Cry For Revival by Stephen Olford (Olford was a tremendous Bible expositor and gives a very helpful look at some of the great revival passages in God’s Word.)
The Revived Life by Lewis A. Drummond (This book helped me to understand that revival is to be more than an event, more than a meeting – it is to be the expression of a life in tune with God.)
Revival! A People Saturated With God by Brian H. Edwards (One of the first books I read on revival as a young man. This book is full of historical records of revival along with explanation of what happens before revival, in a revival, and after a revival.)
Men cannot hype revival…and, if it comes, they cannot hide it. It changes everything. Revival is a spiritual reality, a vital necessity, a personal priority.
“O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).
Read for instruction and inspiration, but do not stop there. Let the books drive you to your knees. I am praying for Heaven’s wind to blow. Will you join me?
What are your favorite books on revival?
