What Is Revival?

For as long as I can recall, my church and family have been making an annual trip to Canada for a revival. Since the church we visit is a family church, led by my aunt and uncle, I primarily enjoyed the journey because it allowed me to see and connect with distant relatives. However, this year was different. Armed with a biblical understanding of what a revival truly entails, I approached it with hopes for much more than my previous experiences.

The message the Lord had given to my father to preach this weekend was "The 4 Dimensions of The Holy Spirit." When he shared the theme with me before we embarked on the mission, I thought, "There's no way there are only 4 dimensions of the Holy Spirit." I worried that it might be a diluted version of the gospel, leaving me unchanged after the revival. I gradually accepted this notion, even on the drive to the church on the first night. I convinced myself to expect less, reminding myself that this was a "mission," meaning we were there to serve, not to receive. It didn't matter if it felt like spiritual milk; if others were blessed and revived, then the mission would be accomplished.

The theme was based on Ezekiel 47:1-5 and let me just say that there was nothing childish about it. The four dimensions were represented in the passage by the four different levels of water Ezekiel saw in the vision; water up to the ankles, the knees, the waist and eventually too high to do anything but swim. I was certainly swimming this weekend, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead me as I made myself available to serve on the worship team and more. This weekend was humbling and entirely enlightening.

By the third night of the revival, I observed the joy rekindling in God's children and their enthusiasm reigniting. Heavenly zeal and passion were bestowed upon them, and the church felt the Holy Spirit's inspiration to labor for the growth of God's kingdom once more. From the young to the elderly, from the missionaries to the Canadian members, I witnessed their spiritual questions being addressed and a newfound longing for more beginning to shape their journey. It was all profound and beautiful. This was true revival.

Revival isn't merely an annual event or a series of scheduled services. It occurs within the soul, deeply affecting the hearts and minds of God's people

, sparking a flame throughout the entire body of Christ. This year, I've become aware of the spiritual wave currently unfolding. God must be preparing us for something significant. Will you join in?