Partnering with God: Revival

How does one pursue revival? This is the question I wrestled with as I read the Canadian Mantles of Revival by Sara Maynard. Revivals are, after all, the work of God calling people to Himself and doing mighty acts. So, what am I supposed to be doing? Could it be that this is not something that I just sit and wait for but something God wants to partner with me in?

To start off this journey, let me first explain what I mean by revival. A revival, to my understanding, is God moving powerfully to bring people to Himself. Usually, the result of this is seen by churches being flooded, people being physically healed, families being restored, communities being transformed, and even jails being empty as no one is committing crimes. This is a time when God shows Himself in ways that are widely seen as He revives His Church. There is nothing forced or pressured in people’s responses. It is God moving and speaking in a way that is invitational and loving. And although one of the key signs of revival is conviction of sin and wrongdoing, it is conviction that draws people into love and into a better way of living instead of shame or condemnation. This is something I long to see happen because I want to see my mighty King making the world new and beautiful as He calls more people to see how good He is. There is freedom and healing and life in His reign, so of course I want to be a part of that!

Going back to my original question, what is my role in all of this? If revival is something God does, then what am I to do? What I love about Jesus is that He chooses to work with us to bring His new life on earth. He makes revival happen, but He wants to do it through me, not in spite of me. To be honest this both excites and terrifies me! But in the end, the purpose of revival is not just to make big things happen. It is an invitation to go deeper in my relationship with Jesus and seek what He is doing and how He wants me to participate.