This is what the Lord says . . . I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit
on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:2-3 (NIV)

God still loves the world, still pours out His blessings, still moves by His Spirit, still has all the answers, still saves, still heals, still forgives sin, and still transforms lives. Hallelujah! Isn’t God tremendous? His promises are true. A time is coming, maybe soon, when God will “pour water on the (spiritually) thirsty land.” Entire cities and nations have been stirred, shaken and set on track with God. Revival has occurred elsewhere in the world, why can’t it occur where you live?

Nothing can thwart the power of God. All He has to do is say the Word and the Holy Spirit will flow through the streets, seep into the buildings, well up in the shopping malls, and flood the factories and homes with His presence. When revival comes people will be stopped in their tracks and convicted of sin, righteousness, and judgement to come (cf. John 16:8). No one can organize revival, control it, plan it, or take credit for it. Revival is a God thing – not a man thing. Politicians won’t be able to maintain it, laws won’t be able to contain it, and public prejudice won’t be able to restrain it. Nothing can stop an outpouring of God’s Spirit – absolutely nothing.

Listen. Revival is the greatest blessing a community or nation could possibly receive. Christians should pray for it with every ounce of strength at their disposal. Why? Because wherever the river of God flows it brings life – abundant life – teeming life – life to the full. Here’s the good news: Revival is ultimately deepest where the need is greatest. When God pours out His Spirit on our offspring and His blessing on our descendants, sinners will be redeemed, backsliders restored, and the weary refreshed. For revival is creative, fruitful and healing in nature. Ordinary people become extraordinary, the selfish become selfless, the poor become rich, the sick are made well, and the weak are made strong.

However, before revival can break out in the malls it must break out in the churches. Revival must start in the pew and the pulpit before it will flow down the passages, along the parades, and into every other place. Christians must humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways, and seek God’s face (cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14). Without confession, contrition, and consecration there will be no renewal, no refreshing, no revival.

A prayer for revival: “Restore us again, O God our Saviour, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation” Psalm 85:4-7.