Biblical pattern for revival (9) By : Guardian Nigeria Date: 16 May 2026 3:43am WAT Follow Us on Google Discover By Abel Ukachi Amadi
Key verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14(KJV): “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
This verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 was spoken by God to King Solomon at the dedication of the temple. God told him that disobedience and rebellion would result in judgment upon the nation of Israel. This verse is God’s promise that those who turn from their sins; call on Him and walk in His ways will experience a revival of the presence and blessing of the Lord. Now, this is a verse to Israel, but it speaks to every generation as well. Those who meet the conditions detailed in this verse will experience the promises mentioned in this verse.
We need revival! Church members love meetings; but we need more than a meeting, we need a revival! We need something that we cannot produce by our own efforts. Revival is a supernatural event. It comes only by the sovereign decree of the Lord. We can have a meeting anytime, but we cannot have a revival unless the Lord gives it. While we cannot produce a revival, we can meet the requirements set forth in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and that will make revival to come.
The Chronicler speaks of the possibility and the problems associated with revival. While telling us what to do to have revival, he also tells us about what can prevent revival. There are problems mentioned in this verse that can sabotage and prevent revival from taking place. These are the enemies of revival.
Firstly, revival is for God’s people. What sinners need is to be saved. The Bible says: “If My people, which are called by My name…” Pride is the enemy of revival. “Will humble themselves” – This phrase deals with the area of our pride. God calls on His people to “humble themselves.” The word “humble” means “to bend the knee; to bring down; to place self under another.” When Jonah’s message came to Nineveh, the people humbled themselves and they began to pray, Jonah 3:8b. When they did, God moved in His power and sent a revival!
Prayerlessness is an enemy to revival. The people of God are challenged to “pray.” “Prayerlessness” is the first cousin to pride. Prayer is the ultimate statement of our inability. Prayer looks to God and says: “I can’t, but you can!” Prayer acknowledges personal, profound dependence upon the Lord. We do not have revival because we do not pray! And, we do not have revival because we do not pray, as we should. Charles Finney said: “Prayer is the essential link in the chain of events that leads to revival!”
God’s people are told to “seek His face.” The word “seek” means “to search out by any method; especially by worship and prayer.” The word “face” refers to “the countenance; to turn toward His direction.” You see, revival does not come to people who seek revival; but to people who seek God! Seeking God means we hunger for Him more than for what we want Him to do for us. The essence of genuine revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again. Seeking Him will bring revival to His church (James 4:8). When we are seeking His face, we will be able to see what has His attention. He wants us to love what He loves, hate what He hates and do what He does.
Today’s nugget: Revival is a supernatural event. Prayer: Lord, fill me with the hunger for You. Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: [email protected], Rev. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria.
