We are living in times where the darkness around us can seem so overwhelming; stifling our ability to believe radical change is possible. Many of us have fallen into the soft hands and vice-like grip of apathy, paralysed by feelings of helplessness. Perhaps this is not altogether bad—if indeed it can turn us back to our deep, ceaseless need for God. At such a time—amidst destruction, division and disaster all over the world—many are desperately calling out to God for revival.
Revival. Some might see it as simply a buzzword spoken loudly from pulpits, yet carrying little weight. Or perhaps the word brings to mind images of stadiums and churches overflowing with passionate believers during short outbursts of holy excitement throughout periods of history:
Revival; 'a reawakening of religious fervour, especially by means of evangelistic meetings' (Oxford University Press, 2016).
Azusa Now, Los Angeles
On April 9 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, people from all over America and the world gathered for 15 hours, '...for the purpose of unity, miracles, healing, and the proclamation of the gospel' and to 'boldly ask God for the rain of revival' (The Call, 2016).
This gathering—Azusa Now—marked 110 years since the 1906 Azusa Street Revival, where, against a backdrop of boiling racial tensions in America, the dividing lines between Black, White, Asian and Hispanic people were erased for a time. As thousands came together in love and unity, heaven was poured out in the poor districts of Los Angeles with healing, miracles and salvation. This incredible move of God sadly came to an end in 1916, although its impact was far-reaching.
Following many prophetic words saying it could happen again in an even bigger way, Azusa Now was purposed to re-dig this well of revival. As reports begin to come in from the event, it is clear that God's hand was heavily on the vision—deaf ears opening, the lame walking, salvations, a renewed hunger for God and stories of reconciliation.
Revival: a restoration to life or consciousness
As exciting as such reports are; we know from history that lasting revival requires more than stadiums full of people. Indeed, revivals have all come and gone. What we need, what the world is crying out for, is not just a 'reawakening of fervour' that then goes back to sleep. We need:
Revival; 'a restoration to life or consciousness' (Oxford University Press, 2016).
While this definition is referring to physical or bodily revival, it also perfectly describes the 'revival' we should be praying for.
Where there is death we need life—eternal life. Things that are dead—our hope, our joy, our relationships—need to come alive again. We need the awakening of people's consciousness to the love and truth of God.
So how does this restoration of life and consciousness occur? How can revival be long lasting through the generations?
A God of the generations
Generations, in fact, is a key! How often does God speak of and to the generations in the Bible? He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The long genealogies are not just listed to make us stumble over the pronunciation of names, or even for a history lesson, as much as they are to demonstrate that God is a God of the generations. His message of truth is ultimately designed to be passed on down the lines—parents, to children, to children's children, and so forth.
Perhaps this emphasis has often been lacking in revivals of the past. God has powerfully used many amazing men and women to lead moves of God throughout history, but where focus has been limited to one leader or one generation, these moves have dwindled out.
A sadly common theme evident in many of these revivalists' lives was the eventual deterioration of their physical and mental health, their family relationships and their ministries. While some were pouring out their compassion to the sick and poor on the streets, they were neglecting their families at home.
Lasting revival
We need more than enthusiasm, more than gifted or anointed leaders, more than stadiums full of people, and even more than miraculous healings. We need a revival—a restoration of life—to relationships and families.
As someone who works with children under government care, I know there is a major deficit in our society of strong, safe and loving families, and I see the devastating consequences. Families who choose to love each other well will change the very fabric of society, bringing a revival that lasts through the generations.
The most significant theme from Azusa Now was this very realisation. 'In our deeply divided world, perhaps the greatest miracle is love' (The Call, 2016). More than just another gathering of people, it was a match striking the hearts of believers to burn with love for others and to come together in unity. To tear down dividing walls and to learn from Love himself how to love others radically well.
Maybe this sounds too simple. But I am reminded that Jesus pretty much summed up the entire Bible with the words 'Love God with your whole heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.' It might not seem revolutionary, but it's what will change the world and penetrate the darkness with indomitable light.
Mother Teresa said, 'What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family'.
Bonnie loves all things old-fashioned, exploring new places, coffee with friends and being with her family. She is passionate about broken hearts and relationships being restored through the power of vulnerability and honesty with God and others. Bonnie has a Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies and a Master of International Public Health, and hopes to work in developing countries one day.
Bonnie Dowie's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/bonnie-dowie.html