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When we think of revival, it usually conjures up images of special Church services to reinvigorate dedication to Christ and His Word through performing services for the Church—winning souls for the Lord’s Kingdom. Revival is often associated with spiritual transformation through renewal—restoring our faith, re-establishing devotion to God, or recommencing activities related to service, worship, and praise.
When many of us hear a call for revival and renewal, we assume that a group or person lost their passion for God, left the Church, compromised their conviction, or rejected His word. Therefore, we think they need to be re-awakened, reminded of His love, and re-introduced to His teachings and commandments. While this may be true in some cases, the fact is far more to revival and renewal. Revival and renewal are 1.) needed by everyone regardless of the intensity of their spirituality and 2.) required daily mechanisms to keep the soul reinvigorated and protect our heart while keeping our minds strong and able to withstand the influences that we will encounter.
As we navigate life, we will face threats. We must deal with mental and physical pressures. Some will question our beliefs and our actions. We have to sort through myriads of information to discern meaning, make the right choices and take the right directions. We must be alert—or to use the current generational term— “stay woke!” In other words, we must live every day in a state of revival and renewal to stand against the challenges that are not just waiting for us but are proactively seeking us out. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5: 8)
Revival and renewal are not solely about restoring interests in God’s work and resuming our efforts in the Church. They are not necessary only when we neglect our faith, question our convictions, or place feeding our spirits and caring for our souls on the backburner. Instead, we need revival and renewal for daily sustenance. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
While the rigors of daily activities pose constant challenges, making our beliefs, spirituality, and faith central to our existence keeps us revived and renewed, allowing us to remain committed to representing God as genuine agents of change.
If we operate constantly, in a state of revival and renewal—invigorated and refreshed— we will be ready for service. We will be open to hearing God’s calling and prepared to act according to His will to achieve our purpose while bringing glory and honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.