Revival

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
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2 Chronicles 7:14

This mama needs revival.

I’ve been hearing of the revivals spreading across our nation with excitement and thankfulness. The start of these revivals have been different than expected. When I think of revival, I often think of a series of services, powerful sermons, and large crowds. And while that often comes with revival, one thing I’ve learned from the spontaneous movement at Asbury University is that revival does not always come in the way or from the place I expect it.

In Asbury, the steps to revival involved students making a choice to tarry in prayer. It wasn’t complicated. It wasn’t a dramatic step that caught everyone’s eye. It was a simple choice by a group of young people to wait in the presence of God to see what He would do.

What if revival really is that simple? What if it’s not about perfectly planned services or enigmatic speakers but instead is about humility, determination to seek our God, and repentance? In that first great revival in Acts, the Holy Spirit flooded that city because those in the upper room made the choice to obey and tarry in prayer. Then, the fire fell. Then, people were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, many others were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Like many of us, I desire the power of the Holy Spirit to be shown in such a way in my life. And I believe that God also desires this as well, but He is waiting on me to take steps of obedience and humility. He’s not waiting for me to complete a complicated set of steps that requires specific people and specific places.

He’s waiting for me to make time for prayer and bible reading over social media and entertainment. He’s waiting for me to let go of the sins and weights that I have tucked away in our hearts so that I can once again seek Him fully. He’s waiting for humility, a commitment to prayer, and repentance in my own heart.

This mama needs revival, and I’m realizing I don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or place. I can pursue revival where I am today, for my heart, my family, and my city.