Work with God in seeking revival-Part 2
Work with God in seeking revival-Part 2
Acts 19:1-12 “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and evil spirits left them.” NIV Bible
Extra Reading: Acts 19:1-22
Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and he believed in revival. He was on his third missionary journey. What prompted this journey may have been the need to correct any misunderstandings in the churches he had planted. So he hurried north, then west, returning to many of the cities he had previously visited. This time, however, he stayed on a more direct westward route toward Ephesus. The city of Ephesus was filled with wizards attempting to exercise power over the dark forces. God may have used such unusual means in order to show that His miraculous power was greater than the powers of darkness. The problem with these Jews was that they travelled from town to town making a living by claiming to heal and drive out demons. Here they were trying to use Jesus’ name in an effort to match Paul’s power. When God wanted to revive His people in the Old Testament, He raised up prophets, filled them with His Spirit, and sent them to preach His Word. The Spirit speaks to us through the Word. Spirit-anointed preaching and teaching aimed at revival shows us our need and builds our faith in God’s promises. So, we preach for revival.
We must preach and teach in revival in order to conserve its results. Without appropriate Bible teaching, people are likely to go into fanaticism, false doctrine, or problems of conduct. Preaching about revival helps bring and spread it. It deepens our desire for more of God. As we hear about what God has done for others, our faith rises. We pray more earnestly, with more faith, and God answers prayer. We need to consecrate ourselves to God. A new consecration of self to God in repentance, obedience, and faith is an important part of revival. In fact, consecration helps bring revival, is a part of the revival, and is the result of revival. If we want God to use us in reviving His church, we must be willing to acknowledge our faults, ask for forgiveness, and turn away from them. We must commit ourselves to obey God if we are to work with Him. We are not only to preach about God’s love but we are to demonstrate it day by day.
Revival is bringing to life again and accomplishes in individuals things that would otherwise be impossible. Sin while it remains covered up, hinders the work of Almighty God. But God is glorified when we confess our sins and forsake them (Proverbs 28:13). Revival in Bible times had a tremendous impact on whole cities and even nations. It led to social justice, abandonment of corrupt practices, and adherence to God’s standards in government and homes. The spread of real revival can bring moral, spiritual and physical health to any nation today. Acknowledging our own wrong-doing and asking forgiveness is part of Christ’s teaching so that we more easily forgive others. There is a saying that we must put feet to our prayers. The Bible says, “Faith without deeds is useless” (James 2:20). So, let’s work for revival!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, motivate us through your Spirit to work for revival. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Rev. Samuel N. Modise 
