“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” – (2 Chronicles 7:14).
A “Revival” has been described as increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of believers. Revivals do result into mass conversions of non-believers who repent of their sinful nature and turn back to God. Historically revivals have changed societies, and led to restoration of the church to a vital and fervent relationship with God. For example, the abolition movement that led the end of Atlantic slave trade was inspired by the “Awakening” revival which also produced some of the greatest world universities like Dartmouth and Princeton.
Those in Uganda are privileged to have founded the 1930 East Africa revival considered by some to be the longest running revival in Christian history. The “Balokole movement” had a sweeping effect on the “dead church” and helped revive it with the fire of a message of repentance and turning back to God. Wherever it touched the Balokole movement changed society with its stressing the importance of education, virtuous living and personal hygiene.
Like others, the East African revival drew power from the Pentecost when believers received the Holy Spirit who totally changed their lives. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2: 1-4).
Then there was transformation of lives. “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (vv 44-47).
Revivals change lives. They turn people to look more to God to solve their problems. Revivals affect non believers who marvel at the change in the transformed lives of new believers. May we pray for such revival, for “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” ( Isiah 59:1).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for a revival inspired by the Holy Spirit that comes to change lives and turn our nation to look more to you as the author and finisher of all life, this we pray in Jesus’s name!
