Revival starts with simple.
I had this thought the other day, following my blog about simplicity. A revival is a bringing back to life, and when I use that term I mean a recovery of eternal life. This is recovering the purpose God has for every person, life and life in its fullness. Bethel Church use the following definition for revival: the personal, regional and global expansion of God’s Kingdom through His manifest Presence. This is a great definition, I think. It can happen within just one person, but when it does it always expands and is about God’s good rule increasing on the earth. This happens through the making clear of God’s presence – He is everywhere, but often in the world’s eyes He is obscured. In revival, He is obvious.
Many historic revivals have begun with the simple. The simplicity of John Wesley’s preaching to the ordinary people ignited a fire that jumped across communities. The revelation of the Father’s love and His absolute ability to meet people however He chose characterised the Toronto blessing of the mid 1990s.
But perhaps one of the simplest beginnings to a revival with huge impact was at the beginning of the Welsh revival of the early 1900s. An early spark in that great fire was lit as a young girl, Florrie Evans, stood up in a young people’s meeting at her church. The preacher had asked who had experienced God, and she simply said “I love Jesus Christ — with all my heart.” His Presence rested in that chapel and a flame of revival was lit, that went on to touch Evan Roberts and change the culture of Wales.
A declaration of simple, heartfelt love for Him can be all it takes to light a fire so large that generations and history pivot.
Jesus is doing something with what seems simple. Love. Communion. Unity. Joy. Prayer.
No hype. Nothing flashy. Just little sheep and a big Shepherd.
Revival starts with simple.
Adventures with God 