What is then ??
In my last blog post I said quite clearly that, in my belief, happenings and outpourings like Toronto, Pensacola, Smithton, Lakeland, and the stylised “Bay of the Holy Spirit Revival” are not real revivals. I received quite a lot of support for that opinion but I also received the even more difficult question – “If that wasn’t revival, then what is?” and “How then are we to prepare for revival?”
The best description or definition of revival is still this “Revival is not something we can demand or call down, no – revival is a sovereign act of God. It is as sudden and dramatic in its effect as a tidal wave or tsunami.” In other words we have no control over when or where revival may fall. We have no control over the length of time, or course revival may take. It is something completely beyond our control and comprehension. Yes, I believe revival to be one of God’s mysteries that we don’t truly understand at all.
Oh, we understand the effects and symptoms of revival but not the “why” or the “how” of revival. From all that I have read on revival, most if not all of them petered out because man could not stand the thought of not being in control. Even today, over 100 years later, there are churches in Wales and in America who regard themselves as the ‘guardians of revival’ – that is a phrase spoken to me more than a few times. It means that, because revival came here before – it will come again because we have set our guard over it. The sad truth is that it probably faltered and left that place because of the spirit of control attempting to usurp God’s control.
As for preparation for the next time? That’s a hard one. How can we prepare for something when we don’t know when it will arrive, nor where, nor whom is even going to usher it in? As it is God’s gift to us, we cannot presume upon Him to do what we want, where we want, and through whomever we want. We don’t get the luxury of those choices. They are outside our remit. We do know, however, some of the effects of revival. Sudden large numbers of new Christians – spontaneous healings – people convicted of their sin anywhere at all - meetings going on 24/7 it seems – all of our plans, all of our differences, all our denominationalism shelved and unity, true unity in the church. Revival brings with it things the church has talked and dreamt about for eons – but has never succeeded in implementing because of its own insistence on being ‘right’ and ALL others being ‘wrong’.
I suggest that all we can really do is to pray and be ready to react once it happens. All our plans and schemes on what to do with revival depend on God’s agreement with us. If we simply wait, pray, and react, then at least we will be allowing God to move and we will be trying to follow Him. Revival is as sudden in its effect as a flash flood or tsunami. Its effect on the church is to give an unbelievable period of sustained growth. The healings and conversions of so many will naturally attract even more. It will last as long as we allow it to or as God wants it to. It may disappear as fast as it arrived.
I am convinced that, when it does take hold, not a single one of us will ever be the same again. Our praise and worship, our prayer life, our Christian walk will all change beyond measure. Best, and most of all – God will receive ALL of the Glory as He walks once more in our midst. Yes, He longs to walk with His people once again just as He did in Eden. The first Adam let Him down. The second Adam is returning again soon in wonderful Glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment