Revival can start with a small seed, like a prayer meeting. The prophet Zechariah asked: "Who despises the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). We often downplay what we can do so much that we end up doing nothing at all. The enemy may whisper that our small efforts for God won't make a difference, yet big things can come from small actions in our mighty God's hands. When we dedicate our time, energy, and resources to God, He can multiply the results.
As a commercial fisherman on England's east coast, I learned long ago that you can't steer a stationary boat. You only need a small rudder to guide a moving vessel. When we offer our time, talents, and money to God, He can add to and multiply what we give, even if it’s just five loaves and two fish. Small acts done with great love can change the world!
The Power of Unity in Seeking Revival
When I read about revival and the Holy Spirit's moving in power, the main features have been a lot of prayer and unity among Christians and churches. This spirit of unity is exactly what we see before the Holy Spirit's arrival on the Day of Pentecost:
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers (Acts 1:12-14; emphasis added).
We can easily overlook the phrase "joined together," yet spiritual power is given when we are like-minded with others in anything we ask of God. Author Lloyd Ogilvie writes:
I have always felt that Pentecost did not happen because of a date on a calendar, but in response to reconciliation among the disciples. There were deep tensions among the disciples during and after Jesus' ministry. Until they were together on their knees, fully open to God and each other, the Holy Spirit could not be given.[1]
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit during revival mirrors what God did in the Hebrides revival, the Great Awakening with Charles Finney, and, certainly, the Argentine Revival. They sought God through persevering prayer and unity of heart.
The Spiritual Discipline of Waiting on the Holy Spirit
We often underestimate the power of prayer and waiting on God, which requires being receptive and expectant. After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus did not send the apostles out to preach immediately. Instead, He instructed them to wait on God.
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49; emphasis added).
They must not get ahead of God. Jesus told the disciples to wait until they received the power of the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father. The Day of Pentecost, when the Spirit came and filled them, was 50 days after Passover. The Resurrection of Christ occurred three days after Passover, so they had to wait another 47 days before the Holy Spirit was poured out and they could go and preach the kingdom of God.
Why the wait? Why wasn't the Holy Spirit poured out on the disciples sooner? The waiting period was crucial to their empowerment and to being clothed with the Spirit. Often, we rely on our own strength and do not wait for God's power and guidance. We are meant to depend on the Holy Spirit. He isn't just an emotional feeling we stir up; instead, we need to be available and expectant of what God will do. That’s a good message for all of us today. Keith Thomas
How to Apply This to Your Life
Reading about revival is inspiring, but bringing it into your daily reality requires action. Here is how you can practically apply these principles:
Start with "Small Seeds": Do not wait for a massive church movement. Dedicate just 10 minutes of your morning explicitly to praying for spiritual renewal in your community, or invite just one or two friends to pray with you weekly.
Pursue Reconciliation First: If you are seeking a move of the Spirit but holding onto friction with a fellow believer, make the first move to heal that relationship. As Lloyd Ogilvie noted, reconciliation opened the door for Pentecost.
Practice Active Waiting: Spend a portion of your prayer time completely silent. Instead of rushing through a list of requests, practice sitting quietly and expectantly, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions before you move forward in your own strength.
Continue Your Spiritual Journey…
Watch: Visit our video teaching: Walking in Intimacy with the Holy Spirit:
Bookmark: Save this page to browse our free [3-minute Bible Meditations].
Read: Dive deeper with the full study online: [Revival Changes Nations].
Series: This excerpt is taken from the series called: On Fire With the Holy Spirit.