Ten Characteristics of Revivals.
Each revival or awakening leaves its own mark. What are the most often mentioned characteristics of revivals?
1. TIMING: Revivals emerge during times of spiritual and moral decline, which leads to intense prayer.
2. PRAYER: God puts a longing into the hearts of many to pray for revival.
3. THE WORD: The preaching or reading of God's Word brings deep conviction and desire for Christ.
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit takes people to a spiritual depth they could not achieve on their own.
5. CONVICTION: Affected sinners are broken-hearted in Christ.
6. GLORY FOR GOD: God receives praise, honour, and glory for bringing revival.
7. REFORMATION AND RENEWAL: Revival produces lasting fruit. New ministries are founded and society experiences a reform of morals as more and more people convert.
8. MANIFESTATIONS: Manifestations like fainting, groaning prayer, and miracles vary by culture and denomination.
9. MESSY: Revivals are messy, controversies swirl about miracles, abuses, excesses, suspicions, and theological disputes (to name but a few).
10. CYCLICAL: Revivals without doubt crest and decline.
Are we ripe for Revival Today?
A majority believe our country is going downhill. Given the moral and spiritual decay. The answer is simple. Today, Christianity is prevalent but not powerful. The solution is spiritual revival and a great awakening. Our nations appear ripe for a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit.
But history tells us that national revivals and awakenings cannot be manufactured. They are sovereign acts of mercy and grace by God Himself, when He supernaturally achieves in a short span what seems otherwise impossible. However, God loves to respond to the prayers of His people (e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:14).
While the decision belongs to God alone, He gives us the privilege of hastening the day through humble repentant prayer. Let us pray for revival to come to our nations.
