Written by: Pastor Chris
”…and My people who bear My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
—2 Chronicles 7:14 (CSB)
God’s promises are always “yes” and “amen” according to Scripture (2 Corinthians 1:20). Yet, as we see in this passage, some of His promises are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience.
I remember, as a young teenager, going on my first missions trip to Kalamazoo, MI. It was a week-long trip with my youth pastor and youth group, ministering in the inner city on the other side of the state. We served countless meals, led sidewalk Sunday schools, cleaned up yards, and ended the week by hosting a massive block party for thousands of people.
That week opened my eyes to the deep spiritual need within our country for God’s intervention. Fast forward 21 years, and now all it takes is stepping outside your door or driving a few blocks to see how desperately our world still needs God to move.
Each week, I head to a local coffee shop to write my sermons. Why?
• To focus. I step away from the office and its countless distractions to give my full attention to the task at hand.
• To be reminded. Sitting in the coffee shop, surrounded by people from all walks of life, I’m reminded of the brokenness in our world and how much we need God’s intervention.
There are so many lost and hurting people around us every day. We need God to step in.
We need revival.
How Does Revival Happen?
2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us a clear mandate for experiencing revival in our land:
1. Humble Ourselves
We must daily remind ourselves that we are not enough on our own. Revival cannot happen without God. We must prioritize His Kingdom above our wants and needs. For Him to increase, we must decrease.
2. Pray
Revival must be bathed in prayer. Prayer for our city, our community, and our neighbors must become a lifestyle. If prayer isn’t our means of gaining the Father’s attention, we’re missing the mark. Revival begins when we make it a matter of consistent, fervent prayer.
3. Seek His Face
We must intentionally prioritize time to pursue God’s presence. Through the work of the cross, we have access to the very presence of God. When we seek Him, we gain clarity on His plans and discern where His Spirit is moving. Revival comes when we seek His face above all else.
4. Turn From Our Evil Ways
Finally, we must repent and turn away from sin—not just in word but in action. Revival requires consecration. We must die to ourselves, reject our sinful desires, and choose to desire the things of God. Only He can revive what is dead, but He requires that we surrender our lives to Him fully.
Revival doesn’t come from programs, events, or good intentions. It comes when God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His presence, and turn from sin. Let’s commit to these steps and cry out for God to heal our land. We need Him to move.