By: Kandy Persall
“It is ever the darkest hour before the dawn. The nation always seems to be given over to the Evil One before the coming of the Son of Man. The decay of religious faith, the deadness of the churches, the atheism of the well-to-do, the brutality of the masses, all these, when at their worst, herald the approach of the revival. Things seem to get too bad to last. The reign of evil becomes intolerable. Then the soul of the nation awakes. ” – W.T. Stead (1905)
Today, there is hope for revival. Remember, we are “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9). Because we are the King’s betrothed, we are also (by His grace) glorious within (Psalm 45:13-14). Because He has revealed His righteousness within us; we can freely admit our continued need of His cleansing (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Chronicles 7:14). Revival doesn’t begin with the repentance of sinners, but the humility of His people.
I tend to wring my hands over the media and education, but He simply tells me to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). Fear over current events betrays my wavering faith in the Bridegroom. He has postponed His return because He believes His bride can serve as light amid this crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15). He sees His bride’s value in the world.
Revival is available for the asking. But as author Francis Frangipane suggests, “The problem is that in the 1970s and ‘80s, many Christians believed the Lord was coming most any day. As a result, we turned our backs on our governments and school systems. We abandoned our responsibility to be salt and light in the world…As a result of believing a lie, we suffered spiritual paralysis. This allowed laws to be changed and our nation to slide into great perversion and moral anarchy — all because so many of us thought we were at the end of the age. What a travesty! If the Rapture of the church occurs tomorrow, wonderful! We need, however, to pray, plan, and act as though we expect to see several worldwide awakenings — waves of redemption — before Christ returns.”
Why have I allowed the dark winter of society to freeze my hope? He is the Morning Star that can spark a springtime of revival at any moment. Rather than looking fearfully at our world’s decline, I desire to fix my eyes upon Him, my Holy Fiancé (Hebrews 12:2). All my religious plans may fall short, but I can glory in being weak. After all, “Our adequacy is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).
History testifies that the Father faithfully brings revival when society looks the darkest. The following chart, compiled by William Stead during the Welsh Revival of 1905, brings great hope. About every 100 years, God’s people meet His conditions of repentance and are renewed mightily by His Spirit.
Christ hasn’t given up on His church. He continues seated at the Right Hand of God, patiently awaiting His bride to deal with the enemy (Hebrews 10:12-13). His eyes remain fixed on us, and His ears remain open to our cry (Psalm 35:15). Our portion is to identify with the sins of our culture and ask forgiveness for ourselves and others.
“O Father,
We come knowing You alone are our Source of help. We confess to You that we have not made a distinction between the holy and the profane (Leviticus 10:10). We have allowed society to influence our thoughts and decisions (Revelation 2:14). We have not forgiven those who have offended us (John 20-23). We complain and grumble with unclean lips, while no one around us notices for they do the same (Isaiah 6:5). Our thoughts are ensnared by our own achievements and treasures, rather than Your greatness (Jeremiah 48:7).
Our iniquities testify against us. We, Your people, are easily provoked, so we bicker and fight. Our patience runs thin, and any kindness we exhibit lasts only as long as we get our way. We hold grudges and shrug it off passively when conscience pricks our soul. Every one of these actions is against the very law of love that marks us as Your disciples (1 Corinthians 13:4-5; John 13:35). We are sorry.
Although our track record is not much better than that of the nation, we ask You to act for Your Name’s sake (Jeremiah 14:7). We are Your people. You have named us. Please forgive our trespasses and listen to our prayer for revival (Matthew 6:12; 1 Kings 8:29).
Drip down from above, Father, and let the heavens pour down righteousness (Isaiah 45:8). Come down like rain and shower the earth with Your Presence (Psalm 72:6). Our land is thirsty and dry. Pour out Your Spirit on us and our descendants (Isaiah 44:3). Act according to Your mercy and glorify Your Name (Psalm 52:1; 115:1). Bring revival to our land again, Lord, and let it begin with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.