ACING THE REVIVAL

When revival happens, it usually is because someone decides that it is time for change. Many Christian pastors have been praying for years for spiritual revival. However, when presented with an opportunity for change, they have chosen to maintain the status quo. It is impossible for a status quo that does not seek change to spontaneously erupt in a spirit of revival. The very concept of revival suggests a throwing off of what binds us and weighs us down, and moving forward with increased energy, vigor and vitality.

The earth has to be in a state of revival when the Lord God returns to establish his kingdom. If you are in a church that has been praying for revival for two years or more, yet not much has changed, and there is no sign that a revival will ever happen, perhaps it is time to begin to look for a new church. You may not be at the center of the revival when it happens, but you definitely want to be at least in the periphery. Being part of a genuine revival would mean that you have a much better chance of being included in the kingdom of God than if you remained in a status quo church that is resistant to doctrinal change--the precursor to spiritual revival.

God wants us to anticipate his return with great excitement. He wants us to be as prepared spiritually and physically as we would be if we viewed his return as the most profound experience of our lives. He wants us to be as committed to the idea of 24-hour prayer and 24-hour churches as we are to 24-hour restaurants and 24-hour gyms and health clubs. When our churches open at 10 a.m. or later, or perhaps only once a week, and our gyms open at 5 a.m. daily or 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we know that we have a problem. 

The Scriptures indicate that when the Lord's return is near, churches should begin all-night prayers. It always is darkest just prior to the dawn of each new day, and the new day that will accompany his return is no exception. It is the Holy Spirit of God that wins the battle against sin, death and destruction (Zechariah 4:6). It is through prayer that the Holy Spirit of God is empowered.