Revival Is Coming: Change and Reposition Yourself
Change is often uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth and revival. As I reflect on my journey from business to ministry, I want to share how significant moments of hunger and desire for God can transform our lives. This is a story about a personal experience that opened my eyes to the power of revival and the importance of repositioning ourselves to receive it.
The Journey Begins
In 1996, I was at a crossroads, transitioning from a successful career in business to becoming a full-time pastor. I had been managing an agency and was in the process of selling it. That year, I achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking in the top 10% of sales personnel in the largest insurance company in the world. To celebrate, I traveled to Panama City, Florida, for an awards ceremony where I received my little trinket of achievement.
However, just north of Panama City, the Pensacola revival was happening, and my hunger for a deeper spiritual experience drove me to explore it. My wife, Don, and I decided to take a three-day trip to Pensacola, where we immersed ourselves in the atmosphere of revival.
The Power of Hunger
Upon arriving, we encountered a line of eager individuals stretching far beyond the church doors. It was a hot and humid day, yet the palpable hunger among the people was inspiring. We stood in line from 2 PM until 6 PM, and as we waited, I realized something profound: hunger will change things. That day, we didn’t manage to get inside the main sanctuary due to the overwhelming number of attendees. Instead, we watched the revival from a sub-building on large screens, yet the presence of God was undeniable.
The next day, we arrived earlier, at 1 PM, and waited again, this time determined to experience the service in person. I spoke to many people in line, curious about their reasons for being there. Each testimony was unique and powerful, showcasing the diverse ways God was moving in their lives.
Experiencing the Holy Spirit
During one of the services, I witnessed a young boy, around ten years old, who began to shake with the power of the Holy Spirit. He fell out of his chair and shook on the floor for thirty minutes, visibly touched by God. This experience challenged my preconceived notions of how God operates. He doesn’t fit into a neat little box. Just as we wear different clothes, God expresses Himself in various ways, and His manifestations are not always tidy or controlled.
After the service, I learned that this boy had endured a painful childhood of abuse. His testimony at the altar was a testament to the healing power of God. This moment underscored a vital truth: words and counseling have their limits, but the transformative power of God can heal deep wounds.
Generational Curses
As I continued to reflect on the testimonies shared, I was reminded of a couple I knew, both PhDs in psychiatry, who struggled with generational issues that disrupted their family gatherings. Despite their education, they couldn’t resolve the underlying emotional turmoil during holidays. Eventually, they sought spiritual guidance, which led them to a breakthrough.
Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the wife was prompted to visit her father’s gravesite. She brought her photo albums and confronted painful memories, forgiving her father for his past actions. This cathartic experience liberated her from the emotional chains that had bound her for years. The sins of the father, as the Scripture says, can pass down generations, but through Jesus, we can break these curses.
Breaking the Cycle
Another story I recall involves a friend who noticed his daughters walking on their tiptoes. Initially, he thought it was a funny quirk, until he realized it stemmed from a traumatic childhood experience. Their father had been a violent drunk, and their mother had instructed them to walk quietly to avoid waking him. This generational curse had manifested unconsciously in their behavior.
These stories serve as a reminder that we often carry burdens we do not recognize. Jesus is the only one who can break these generational curses. As we seek His presence, we must be willing to confront our past and allow Him to heal us.
The Movement of God
As we prepare for revival, we must shed our preconceived ideas about how God will move. The last revival I led was chaotic and messy. People were throwing away drugs, crying, and experiencing profound deliverance. That’s what revival looks like—it’s not always clean and orderly. God moves in ways that challenge our comfort zones.
Revival is about more than just individual experiences; it’s about community transformation. It’s not just for you; it’s for others. When you experience deliverance, it equips you to help others find their freedom. Your testimony can be a beacon of hope for someone else.
Embracing Change
To embrace revival, we must be willing to change and reposition ourselves. It’s about making physical and spiritual moves toward God. It might mean changing our routine, our mindset, or even our community. As we take steps toward Him, He honors our efforts and blesses our lives.
As we gather today, let’s bring our tithes and offerings as a sign of our gratitude for all God has done. This act of giving is a reflection of the blessings we have received and a way to acknowledge His faithfulness.
Closing Thoughts
God is calling us to be vessels for His revival. We must be prepared to step out of our comfort zones and trust Him to work through us. It’s time to let go of our limitations and embrace the extraordinary ways God wants to move in our lives.
As we conclude, let’s remember that revival is not just an event; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about continually seeking God and being open to His leading. Let us be the change we want to see and allow His spirit to flow freely through us, touching lives and transforming hearts.
Photo by Levi Guzman on Unsplash
Let’s pray together for our families, our communities, and our nation, asking God to guard our hearts and guide us in this season of revival. May we be instruments of His peace and love, ready to embrace the new things He is doing in our midst.
