I’ve been thinking about revival for more than half a century.
This relates particularly to Christian / Church revival. The word itself implies that life is returned to an object that has either withered or died.
Revival should see two things. An initial point of breath. And a continued path of obedience.
Over the years I’ve been a part of, or followed closely, a number of revivals. Remnants of some revivals have shrivelled over three or four decades. Others faced a soon death. And others have seen the need for a revival of the revival.
For revival to happen, breath has to return. Calling out to God, being ready for conviction, cleansing and healing all lead to the return of that initial breath. In other words – call God and don’t hang up.
Then there’s the second part of revival. Once breath returns, we start to think the next breath is of our own making. We open ourselves up to choking on our own pride and hubris. Asphyxiation looms on the horizon unless we call out to God once more, and don’t hang up!
Perhaps revival is that constant breathing in and breathing out. Inhale Jesus, exhale the bad. REPEAT.