There is nothing more powerful than the presence of God where, in one moment, a life can forever change. Sins erased; addiction gone; freedom from cancer given; a marriage restored; chains broken from the weight of His glory. These experiences transform people, but how do they happen? The overall theology of revival centers on God alone. His sovereignty determines when, where and through whom revival breaks forth. The purpose for the Lord to pour forth His Spirit is to bring people into a relationship with Jesus to have intimacy with them. What results is a beautiful display of the glory of His majesty.
The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped the busyness of life and caused most of us to sit and be still. The goal of “doing” for God halted, and the only option for most became to “be” with Him. Extended times of worship and prayer allow the Lord to interject His correction and direction through revelation knowledge of what has been human-made and what is kingdom-driven. This intimacy unmasks any unhealthy motives so the Lord can get to the heart, but it also renews and refreshes the soul.
We can prepare ourselves by studying revivals in books of the Bible such as: Ezra, Nehemiah, Judges, 2 Chronicles and Acts. Paul instructed Timothy to “stir up” the flame to strengthen his spiritual focus (2 Tim 1:6). Timothy had become so intimidated by Paul’s trials and tribulations that he needed to remember how powerful and great God was (2 Tim 1:8). We need to read about the mighty acts of the Lord to increase our hunger for more of Him. When we hear life-transforming stories, we cannot help but want to experience more of the Spirit in our lives. This increase in wanting more of Him drives us to our knees, crying out and seeking Him. Oh, how the Father loves to hear His children request more of His presence. He longs to answer such prayers.
Furthermore, God wants each of us to know His character. We catch a glimpse of how the Lord moves as revivals reveal the heart of God to live among His people. He wants to be the center of our everyday lives, including the knowledge of Him as our Savior, deliverer, healer, provider, sustainer, vindicator, counselor, restorer and Father. These active characteristics display the heart of God and His desire to lead and commune with creation.
For more on how everyday moments can become acts of worship when God is at the center of our lives, listen to Living in the Light with Kristi Lemley on the Charisma Podcast Network. {eoa}
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