There is an undercurrent here in the United States, and I believe in many nations around the world, of a spiritual revival about to take place. As in past history when people drift away from God, chaos erupts, society crumbles, and it appears all is lost. The cry of ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ is the sounding board used by many Christians to throw up their hands in defeat and give up. Yes, Jesus Christ is returning one day to rule, but it is in times like these that God raises up people to pick up the mantle of the gospel as the only way out of our present-day chaos. Individuals here in America and throughout the world are starting to have an impact on our current and future generations by following the Holy Spirit’s lead that revival starts with me, then the church, and then all nations.
What is revival?
The word ‘revival’ comes from two Latin words, ‘re’ meaning ‘again’ and ‘vivo’ which means ‘to live.’ So, the meaning is ‘to live again.’ Applying this to the Christian’s spiritual life it is the restoration of believers in Christ by the Holy Spirit’s work. This pertains to those of us who have also drifted away. There is no human strategy involved, but we are involved as we follow the Spirit’s leading. True revival starts small with a few people expanding to a group of people then to the whole church and on to other churches and cities around us exploding into the vast regions of the country in which we live. Richard W. DeHaan writes, “We shall consider ‘revival’ as that special season of refreshing when many believers simultaneously experience deep, Holy Spirit conviction, causing them to make private and public confession of sin, along with a renunciation of it…..and the whole experience bearing fruit in the salvation of the lost.” (1) Note that ‘revival’ is not political, it’s not governing, and it’s not claiming a special right or privilege. Revival is getting right with God which leads people to do the right and moral things in every aspect of their lives.
Who are the nations?
The word ‘nations’ used in the Bible both in the Old and New Testament means ‘people.’ The Hebrew word ‘goy’ is used as “nation, people.” In the New Testament, the Greek word used is ‘ethnos’ meaning “a race (Gentiles), people, a multitude living together.” Therefore we’re talking about people. This should quiet those who criticize movements of spiritual awakenings as found in some of our college campuses in the United States and elsewhere around the world as a political movement. It is not. It is the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and men and women who are serious about their relationship with Christ and desire to live accordingly.
Where do we go from here?
Pray! All Christians should be praying for revival in their own country and other countries around the world. It starts with individuals being sensitive to the Spirit’s call who is also calling others to join you and vice-versa. Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit’s nudging in this direction. Getting ourselves right with God, praying for others, and praying for those in authority to come to know Christ as savior will see a revival that will be hard to miss. Remember, revival is about changing lives. The rest will take of itself as revival expands through the nations.
(1) Richard W. DeHaan, Are We Confused About Revival? (Grand Rapids: Radio Bible Class), p. 1,2.
Word for the Soul 