Concerning Revival, What Does God Expect Of Us,
Before He Will Visit Us By His Spirit?
By Edgar H. Lewellen
Note: Let us remember that nothing, absolutely nothing will happen without prayer, prayer and more prayer. (2 Chr. 7:14; Ex. 29:37; Isa. 44:3).
1. We must be honest with God as we pray, and honest with ourselves as we consider how God sees us. Let’s not try to impress God with our humility, or our goodness. He knows us better than we do. We cannot cover up or minimize our sin, but recognize it as rebellion against God (1 John 1:10; Jer. 29:13; Isa. 63:10).
2. We must humble ourselves, recognizing that outside of Christ, we have absolutely no hope of satisfying God, and "all our righteous acts are as filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6 NIV). There is only cleansing through the blood of Christ (Rom. 1:18; 1 John 1:7; Psa. 51:17).
3. ALL sin must be admitted and confessed. A part will not do. God does not accept partial confession. Also note, that the passage of time does not erase sin (1 John 1:9-10; Luke 14:27; Psa. 139:23; Rev. 21:27).
4. Full restitution of goods or someone’s reputation must be made right, accompanied by an asking for forgiveness, without excuses, of the individuals involved (Eph. 4:28).
5. Wrongs must be made right. This includes lies, deceit, immorality, ruining of another’s reputation or character, cheating, returning of misappropriated funds, etc. (Jas. 5:16; 1 John 2:15-17).
6. Full obedience – unconditional and immediate, to the voice of the Holy Spirit must become the rule of our lives. He will direct us as we pray, speak to us as we read His Word, and direct us through our conscience by His Holy Spirit (Rom. 2:15; 2 Chr. 7:14; John 15:7; Psa. 119:105; Jer. 7:23). God demands a separation from the world and all carnal lusts (2 Cor. 6:17) staying away from "every appearance of evil" (1 Thes. 5:22). There must be a willingness to be misunderstood by wife, husband, family and friends (Luke 14:26-27; Matt. 5:11-12).
7. Be immersed in God’s Word. God speaks to us through His Word, reveals Himself and His holiness and shows us His expectations of us.
8. Prayer for the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon me, my church, and my community (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Luke 11:13).
9. Expect an answer. Remember, God keeps His promises (2 Cor. 1:20; Jer. 29:13; John 15:7).
Note: Revival will be costly to us, if we really mean business with God: 1) costly to our pride; 2) perhaps a reorganization of our lives; 3) costly in our time, since God will give us a new set of priorities, which will involve much time in heart-searching prayer and studying of His Word. He may even require a change in our life style.
Let us remember that it doesn’t take twelve holes in an earthen water pot to make it useless – only one. Yes, one sin, habit, area of pride or stubbornness can hold back the refreshing rain of God’s blessing.
God is not bound to send revival because we pray, but when we humble ourselves and seek God with a totally surrendered heart, then He is bound by His promise (Jer. 29:13).
– Used by permission of Edgar H. Lewellen, retired missionary to India with The Christian and Missionary Alliance. God greatly used these helps when Rev. Lewellen circulated them among Christian workers to whom he ministered in Central India.