What Is Spiritual Revival? How God's Spirit Transforms Towns

In our July daily meditations at groupbiblestudy.com, we are exploring the Holy Spirit’s work to revitalize and empower the Church. Today, we look at what can happen in a town or village when God’s Spirit is moving in its people:

What can happen when people are filled with the Spirit of God and listen to and obey His promptings? Let’s discover how Charles Finney's (1792-1875) life was transformed after he was touched by the Spirit (see yesterday’s meditation). After his salvation and being filled with the Holy Spirit, he gave up his law practice and began reaching out to those who did not know God. The Spirit of God seemed to remain with him powerfully as he traveled from village to village, preaching the Word of God. When he spoke about Christ, people often fell to the ground in deep conviction, crying out for God’s mercy. There seemed to be a special presence of God over the areas where he preached. He describes one such occasion:

The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Story of Charles Finney

“The state of things in the village and the surrounding area was such that no one could enter the town without feeling awestruck, as if God were present in a peculiar way. As an example, I will recount a specific incident. The county sheriff lived in Utica. There were two courthouses in the county, one in Rome and the other in Utica (New York State).

Consequently, the sheriff, Bryant by name, often visited Rome. He later told me he had heard about the situation in Rome and that he and many others in Utica had laughed about it. One day, he had to go to Rome. He said he was glad to have business there because he wanted to see for himself what things were really like. He was driving his one-horse sleigh, with no particular impressions at first, until he crossed what was called the old canal, a place about a mile from the town. As soon as he passed the canal, he said a strange feeling came over him, so deep he couldn’t shake it. He felt as if God filled the whole atmosphere. He said this feeling grew stronger all the way to the village.

Bryant stopped at Mr. Franklin's hotel, and the stableman came to take his horse. He noticed the stableman looked just as he felt—afraid to speak. Finney entered the hotel and found the gentleman with whom he had business. He said they were both so shaken that they could hardly focus on their work. Finney mentioned that several times during his short stay, he had to get up suddenly from the table, go to the window, and look away, trying to divert his attention so he wouldn’t start weeping. He saw that everyone else seemed to feel just as he did. The sense of awe, solemnity, and seriousness was something he had never imagined before. He quickly finished his business and returned to Utica—but (as he later said) he would never speak lightly of the Spirit's work in Rome again. A few weeks later, in Utica, he was converted when Finney traveled to that town.”[1]

Why We Need a Movement of God's Spirit Today

In this testimony, we learn how the Holy Spirit came to Charles Finney, convicting him of sin and cleansing him before using him significantly for the salvation of many lives. God hasn't changed; He desires to do the same today. The Holy Spirit filled Finney in a way that many do not experience; that is His right. The Spirit of God will come in different ways to different people. He will not ask or require the same from everyone, just that they repent, believe the gospel, and follow Christ.

We need this same power of the Holy Spirit more than ever these days. When our hearts overflow with Christ's presence, those around us will see God's power and become spiritually hungry. When we hunger and thirst for God Himself, it sets off a chain reaction among those around us. This special presence of God is what revival is all about. God is seeking people who are committed and open to the Spirit of God working among them. — Keith Thomas

Experiencing Revival in Your Own Life

The story of Charles Finney shows that revival isn't just an emotional event; it alters the very atmosphere of a community. But revival always begins in the individual heart. Here is how you can apply this meditation today:

·       1. Check Your Spiritual Hunger: Finney's story reminds us that a chain reaction starts when we hunger and thirst for God Himself. Ask yourself: Am I seeking God's hands (what He can give me) or God's face (who He is)? Dedicate 5 minutes today just to sit in His presence without asking for anything.

·       2. Pray for an "Awestruck" Community: The sheriff couldn't enter Rome without feeling a holy awe. Begin praying specifically for your neighborhood, workplace, or city. Ask the Holy Spirit to move so clearly in your local area that even outsiders sense a "peculiar presence" of God.

·       3. Be Open to Promptings: Finney gave up his law practice because he chose to obey the Holy Spirit. You may not need to quit your job, but God is asking for your obedience. Listen closely today for small promptings—to encourage a coworker, pray for a friend, or text someone who is hurting.

Continue Your Spiritual Journey…

Consider bookmarking this page: Browse our free 3-minute Bible Meditations. You can also read the full online written study of Charles Finney’s story, which is found in God Uses Ordinary Believers.

[1] Autobiography of Charles G. Finney, published by Fleming H. Revell Company.