We have had revivals in the past which have affected the world. Revivals which have shaken nations and changed history. What are the keys to having a revival that permeates the lives of everyone and is inescapable? Where the Holy Spirit comes in power, not just to one church but to the world.
Key One. God First. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
If you are seeking a revival so you might see healings, miracles, great worship, soul wrenching sermons, or any other way the power of God can be manifested, than you desire something other then God. Revival is to bring us closer to God. We should be seeking to see His face first and foremost. Yes, God will manifest His power when He comes but that is just a side benefit to the real blessing of having His presence in our midst. We are to seek Him and not any signs or wonders. They will come, but God is the true blessing.
Key Two. God is in control. “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
You can make your plans and order of worship, but be ready for when God steps in and changes everything. The best sermons I have heard are ones where the preacher throws out what he was going to say and speaks what God had just spoken to his heart. The most worshipful songs are the ones where God throws out what we planned and inserts what He desires to hear. God might say, “No sermon today. I want my people to worship me.” Let God have control and the spirit can work miracles.
Key Three. Human Sacrifices. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
You’re uncomfortable praying out loud. People might think you are some kind of fanatic if you witness to them. God desires you to do something you never did before (such as dance in worship or stand up and say a word to the congregation) and it scares you. God pushes us to do things we find uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Put your flesh on the altar to die and He will raise you up to see His glory and power.
Key Four. Inconvenient prayer. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Keep your heart in tune with God’s heart at all times. Pray in church, at work, at home and everyplace else. Pray if you are eating, sleeping, talking or relaxing. Pray when you are arguing, someone stabs you in the back, the world is falling apart, or your mind is numb from the beating this world gives you. At all times pray. Pray for your enemy. Pray thanksgiving when your world is upside down. Pray when you’re too exhausted to speak. He will listen even to your groaning.
Key Five. God Sends us out. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Revival is not just for you, but for everyone. If a revival comes to a church and God powerfully moves then that church should be sending out others in that power. The spark has been lit but there are others worldwide who need that spark as well. Pray over the people and send them out to spread the word of God. Don’t advertise that God is here so come to our service. Advertise that God is here and He can be where you are also. Breathe the breath of God upon all who visit and send them back in the power of God to spread the revival back in their home church.
Key Six. Do not Fear. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
You are called to follow Jesus, and it is promised that if you do, you will be persecuted. Do not make any decisions based on your fear of what others may say about you. That does not mean you ever ignore what they say. Even the most vile person can say something that is true. When someone condemns you, pray about it, see what The Bible has to say and follow God’s leading on it.
Key Seven. Love. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35
There is nothing in all of Scripture that God did without the motivation of love. Let this be our motivation as well. Love for our Lord Jesus. Love for our Christian brothers and sisters. Love for the lost.
Photo Credit: Skeleton Keys by Peatbogyeri
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