Why No Revival?

But - Why does revival tarry?

Sorry for the play on Mr Ravenhill’s book title but there is a valid question there. As an opening statement, I think one of the main things causing revival to tarry isn't a lack of desire in the body, I think it's more a reluctance and resistance to change - and revival brings change. One of the reasons that the resistance is so high is that change can be delayed or even diverted by criticism without constructive suggestions to resolve the issues causing the criticism.

I am only scraping the surface of just one small corner of this subject. There are many books on the subject of bringing and holding revival. The fact is, from where I stand, that revival only comes where the Holy Spirit allows it, brings it, and is not grieved to remove it again.

There is clear evidence that revival is allowed where there is a desire – even desperation – for the deeper things of God. It is also allowed where prayer is consistent and fervent. Yet again, it is allowed where the people of God are obedient to whatever God calls for and requires of them. Frequently it is a mix of all of these and more.

Yet there is, I believe, one besetting sin that causes revival to tarry and that is disobedience, or rebellion. We need to be, and remain, in complete obedience to God’s wishes and commands in order for Holy Spirit to continue His work among us. We grieve Him so quickly with our rebellion and disobedience that He withdraws until we come back into His will again. Our resistance to any change is rebellion and we resist Holy Spirit in His efforts to bring revival our way.