Is this the Revival for which We have Prayed?

For many years, faithful believers have been praying for a true revival. Skeptics said that the nation was too far gone, and others tried to manufacture man-centered substitutes for the work only God can do. Behind the scenes, in prayer closets where no one goes but God, a hungry remnant continued to pray for divine stirring.

In recent days, we have witnessed an unprecedented awakening to spiritual realities in the hearts of many. We are also seeing a level of spiritual warfare that always accompanies any mighty work of God. What are we to think? How are we to respond? Is this the revival for which we have prayed?

Students of revival know that they have come at varied interludes in history. Each of them was marked by different characteristics, yet all of them moved individuals, families, churches, and nations nearer to God. There is no formula for revival, but there are ingredients. In our age of equations, there is a tendency to try to dissect revival movements. However, Jesus said of the Holy Spirit’s work, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).

On the Day of Pentecost, Heaven’s wind blew. The breath of life comes only from the God who first gave it. It is impossible to predict when, where, and with whom the Lord will choose to work. But be sure of this, He is working. Like the ancient armies of Israel waiting on God’s time, it seems we can hear “the sound of the going in the tops of the mulberry trees” (2 Samuel 5:24). Early rabbis believed that the rustling of the leaves was a sign that the armies of Heaven were on the move.

Where will it go? I cannot speak for men and movements, but I can tell you that God is always advancing, and I want to go with Him! Revival is always personal before it is corporate. Whether we have a national or global revival or not, you can have your own revival if you are willing to let God work in you.

A Definition of Revival

A dear friend texted me last week to ask how I would define revival. While I have read and collected a host of quotes on revival through the years, my personal favorite came from the pen of Vance Havner: “Revival is simply God’s people falling in love with Jesus all over again.” This speaks to both the letter and the spirit of the word. 

Revival is for God’s People

First, revival is for God’s people – not lost people. The very word revive implies that something that was alive, lives again. To be sure, when real revival comes there will be a great gospel advance. A revived church is a witnessing church. Revival is not sinners being saved; it is saved people getting right. When believers get right with God and one another, many more will be saved. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Revival begins with a renewed emphasis on who God is and repentance for what we have done.

Revival is for A Single Purpose

Second, revival is for a single purpose – to turn us to God and bring Him glory. Revival is not an emotion, an event, or an experience. Revival is not something; it is the life-giving presence of Someone: the Holy God, recognized, honored, and obeyed among His people. True revival is not moral reformation, political revitalization, or cultural renewal – it is spiritual in nature. The goal is God Himself. Spiritual transformation will affect everything else, but it must begin with the Lord if it is to last.

These same principles are woven into the fabric of great revival passages throughout Scripture. Psalm 85:6 says, “Wilt thou not revive us again: That thy people may rejoice in thee?” Revival is for us, for God’s people. Revival leads us to Him. 

The prophet cried, “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). Revival begins with the individual, and then reveals God’s work, God’s revelation, and God’s mercy to others. When we are willing to say: “I” – then we will witness “thy.”

Many years ago, I was asked: What does true Holy Spirit revival look like? It looks like Jesus. The work of the Spirit is always to conform us to the image of Christ. Any genuine work of His will exalt Christ and develop His character in the lives of those who are touched by it.

The Difference between a Revival and a Spiritual Awakening

It is my conviction that what we are seeing at this time could more aptly be called a spiritual awakening. There are moments in history where the consciences of people, both within the church and outside of it, are awakened to their desperate need for God. It is my prayer that this spiritual awakening will become a real revival in churches across our land, but that largely depends on our response to God at this moment.

The New Hebrides Revival

One of the most powerful revivals in history took place on the Isle of Lewis in the New Hebrides. It lasted for three years, but its effects were felt for generations. One of the men who was used of the Lord at that time and place was a minister named Duncan Campbell. Some years after the revival, he was interviewed by the famed preacher Stephen Olford regarding the New Hebrides Revival. Olford asked him a host of questions about all of the intricacies of the revival. At some point in their conversation, Campbell leaned forward and said to the inquisitive Olford, “Young man, do not let the New Hebrides Revival rob you of your own.” What a tragedy it would be if the Lord came near and His own people missed Him!

There is a spiritual hunger in our generation. Souls are searching. Great numbers of people are professing faith in Christ and beginning to study the Bible for the first time. This is key. If what we are witnessing is “spiritual” in the biblical sense of the word, then it must be Scriptural. This is the moment for us to teach people what the Bible says. 

Spiritual awakenings come…and go. Our response to God will determine if a real revival will ensue. This is the time for believers to press into prayer. Do not let up. Refuse to become a spectator or a critic. “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

Some Dangers during a Revival

The enemy is always looking for ways to thwart God’s holy purposes. The flesh is forever rearing its ugly head, even in times of blessing. Spiritual people know that the sweet Holy Spirit can be grieved and His fire quenched. 

Discernment is Needed

Yes, we need a spirit of discernment in these days. Beware of conflating good things with God’s work. Just because something is conservative, it doesn’t mean it is Christ-centered. Simply because something is religious doesn’t mean it is right. If something is spiritual, that doesn’t mean it is of the Holy Spirit.

At the same time, it is not helpful for us to give our opinion on everything. Some men, trying to address every question, go beyond what man can possibly know. If something is of God, it will continue (Acts 5:39) and it will bear fruit that remains (Matthew 12:33; John 15:16). Our Lord said it best: “Wisdom is justified of her children” (Matthew 11:19).

God’s Work Will Advance

There will be impostors and counterfeits, but the genuine work of God will go forward. Wheat will grow… so will the tares (Matthew 13:24-30). We must leave all of that with God and continue to pray and labor for lasting fruit. In every revival, there have been things that were different from the norm. Do not try to put God in your box, but measure everything solely by the unchanging truth of God’s Word. In every revival, there have also been excesses and dangers. Guard your own heart and flock and let the Lord take care of the rest.

Winds of change have been blowing in our country for a long time. It seems there is a better wind blowing right now. Do you hear the sound of it? Can you feel the gentle effects of it already? You cannot harness this wind – you can only yield to it or choose to fight against it.

G. Campbell Morgan once said, “We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from Heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.” I cannot tell you all that God is doing or will do, but I pray that this is a time when the sovereign God chooses to “blow upon His people once again.” It is time to set our sails in faith. May this truly be the revival for which we have waited and prayed.

The real question is: Will you have revival?

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(Scott’s first book, Revival Praying, is now in its fifth printing. This study of Ezra’s revival prayer provides a Bible pattern for our prayers in times like these. Learn more about all of the Revival Praying resources available for individual and group study at revivalpraying.com.)