The Pattern for Revival

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/15/22

In the heart of every believer, a hunger should exist—a hunger to see God use us to advance His Kingdom in ways we never imagined. Christianity morphs into little more than a stale religion if we quit pursuing God. The moment we get content with where we are is the moment we stop moving toward God. He has more for us than we could ever imagine.

While God desires to turn our lives upside down and use us in His amazing plan of redemption for the world, He never forces His will on us. If our desire is not there, He will not make us do it. He will accomplish His will through other willing vessels. But who wants to miss out on the opportunity to be an integral part of God’s plan?

However, before any such life-changing events can occur in our own hearts, we must surrender unconditionally to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. On the road to Damascus and in the days following, we do not read of a defiant Paul, trying to resist every directive. Instead, we find a Paul who is stunned momentarily and quickly submits to the Holy Spirit’s voice in his life.

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in our lives opens the door for God to begin shaking our world to the point we may not recognize it once He is finished. Yet, it is a shaking that takes us from awed bystanders to active participants in His plan of grace and redemption.

Taking the first step is never easy. However, relinquishing our freedom to the one who brings ultimate freedom will pave the way for a personal revival to occur in our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, empower me daily to surrender to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in my life. Where there is resistance to You, soften my heart so that I may joyfully follow You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s