When you think of the word revival, what comes to mind? Maybe a series of church meetings. A time when people get saved. A return to spiritual health after a period of decline into sin and broken fellowship with God. Have you ever been in one that was a real movement of God? How long ago was that? Is it possible to see that again? In your opinion is it probable you will see that again in your lifetime? How probable?
Often, revival is thought of as a time when a great number of lost people are saved and there is certainly nothing wrong with lost people getting saved. However, the word revival is made up of two words: “re” meaning again and “vive” meaning to make alive. In that sense, a revival is not talking about salvation or the creation of new life. It is referring to a time when someone who has life returns to the vibrancy of that life.
So, a revival is actually a time for God’s people. A time when they confess sin and repent leading to a lifestyle change. It is a time when God’s people are restored to life, spiritual health, and vitality. When we or other children of God have departed from fellowship with God, it is time for a revival. If a revival did happen what do you think that would look like? Do you think others would see a difference in you?
When you hear the words Spiritual Awakening what comes to mind? An organized event at the church or in your region. A time when a large number of people experience new birth to spiritual life in a short period of time. When a community or people group or even a whole city (for the most part) are caught up in a new movement of God. On the Day of Pentecost, the church had 120 members and then God added 3,000 souls in one day. Was that a revival or a spiritual awakening? That would be a spiritual awakening.
As churches are reopening and people are coming back to church, what are you praying for? Are you praying for a revival or a spiritual awakening? Can we pray for both? Let us pray we will all see a fresh movement of God in our churches and in our State.