Formula for Revival

As we prepare for revival services here at Sesser in a week or so, I must ask, what is it you’re expecting God to do? Have you expressed your expectation to God? What is it you want…is it God’s will or your dreams? Is it for everyone else to be renewed, or can you admit your soul has been in a dry place too? There are two things that are common to most revivals throughout history and it seems reasonable to look for these if we are to experience a visitation. First, genuine revival is preceded by an intensive desire among laity to seek God’s presence thru prayer. Great revivals were not initiated by clergy, though many clergy certainly would like to take credit. That is not to say God did not use clergy, he certainly did, however most were initiated by lay people. Secondly, people found they were the ones in need of revival. People did not bring friends and neighbors to the services hoping others would be saved. Instead, people came seeking God’s hand to move in their own lives. Once that happened, friends and neighbors came to the services to “see what was going on” and in turn the Spirit touched even more people. Think we need revival? It will never happen until we realize and admit WE are the ones in need of renewal, and until WE fervently seek God’s face and his will for our lives. If we would accomplish that, I have no doubts God would turn our church and our community upside-down. Until then we are Wesley’s greatest nightmare: “a church with the form of religion, but lacking the power.”