According to Webster’s Dictionary, revival means:
1 : an act or instance of reviving : the state of being revived: such as
a : renewed attention to or interest in something
b : a new presentation or publication of something old
c(1) : a period of renewed religious interest
(2) : an often highly emotional evangelistic meeting or series of meetings
2 : restoration of force, validity, or effect (as to a contract)
A religious revival in the Christian community is a sight to behold. Certainly there is some emotion attached to it. As anyone who has ever been convicted of their sin and need for a savior can tell you, such an interaction with the Holy Spirit often brings repentance, tears, and a renewed commitment to the Lord.
Yet something is missing from the Webster’s definition. A Christian revival involves the full presence of the Holy Spirit, and in His presence is fullness of joy. It is also accompanied by divine healing, deliverance, and liberation. Bodies and psyches are healed. Addictions are crushed. The chains of bondage to the works of darkness are broken and people are set free – of alcohol addiction, drug addiction, pornography addiction, and a host of others you could name. The work of the Spirit is a work of cleansing and restoration and when He begins to move, lives are changed.
The current revival happening in pockets around the U.S.A. is beautiful to watch. Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ came into the world to destroy the works of the enemy. What we are seeing in these revival meetings is exactly that: the destruction of the works of the enemy.
So here’s a question: if what is happening is so beautiful to see and peoples lives are being forever changed for GOOD, not evil, works, WHY is there so much negative ‘press’ about it? WHY are so many taking to social media and other outlets to denigrate this mighty move of God?
I’ll tell you why: because those people who are condemning this move are not children of the One True Living God. Don’t let them tell you they are. A true child of God knows that there are things they have yet to experience in the Kingdom of God and there is much to learn. They know, for example, that just because they have never experienced Holy laughter doesn’t mean it isn’t of God. If it is good, it is GOD. If it exalts the Savior, it is good, and therefore, GOD. The only evil we can see in this current revival movement is in people who are NOT participating and are, instead, denigrating it and everyone who is participating. Don’t let it concern you. EVERYONE will meet God eventually. We can only pray that they will meet HIM before they leave this world, because afterwards isn’t going to be pretty for those who deny Christ.
My prayer today is that the revival continues, spreads, and reaches your house too! Praise the name of Jesus!
Psalms 85:6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Psalms 80:18 Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 80:19 Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.