In yesterday’s devotional, we considered the signs through which the need for revival can be identified. Today, we will be reflecting on how to experience revival. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the benevolent God clearly spells out the actions that are required to bring down revival from heaven. We must first acknowledge God’s love and His willingness to ignite the fire of revival conveyed through this verse of Scripture. The expression “My people, who are called by my name” was beautifully used by God to reveal His faithfulness and determination to identify with His children in all circumstances. Even though He hates sin, He loves His people so much that He cannot deny them, even in their fallen and backslidden state. Because He paid the ultimate price of shedding His precious Blood to purchase and redeem us from destruction, He will always stand by us, whatever it takes. All He requires of us when we err is repentance and a commitment to live holy. He is always willing to ignite His fresh fire in our hearts. What a loving Father we have!

God’s willingness to ignite the fire of revival as soon as we fulfil the necessary conditions is a wonderful blessing to His children. This makes bringing down revival easy. To complete the process of obtaining revival, those who have been chosen to be God’s people must cease from living a life of sin, turn away from their proud self-centeredness, pray to the Lord, and yield their desires in life to His word. Only then will He grant revival from heaven. The specific phrases and words used in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, such as “humble themselves”, “pray”, “seek His face”, “turn from their wicked ways”, all clearly describe the different aspects of heartfelt repentance and prayer required to bring down revival. The Lord said He would send revival (healing their land) only after the two steps of repentance and prayer have been observed. This healing includes physical and spiritual healing, deliverance from drought and pestilence, as well as the return of captives and exiles to their rightful place of rest. Note that revival is not complete without the restoration of God’s people to their true place of fellowship and relationship with God. You can bring down revival when you engage in prayers of penitence as Daniel did in Daniel 9:4-6. Revival comes when instead of blaming God for your own errors, you admit your mistakes and wrongdoings, and express a willingness to change (Daniel 9:7-8, James 1:13-15). Revival will only come when we persist in the place of prayer, asking God for mercy. He will always honour His word and send His revival.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.