As we noted yesterday, spiritual reformation happens before spiritual revival. First, with God’s help and grace, his people seek to live in his way, and then the Lord visits them with revival. Without valleys filled in, mountains leveled, crooked paths made straight, and rough places made smooth, there is no revelation of God’s glory or salvation for all people. Sin must be confronted, confessed, and forsaken before revival can come.

Preaching about revival without urging people to turn from their evil ways is the same as putting the cart before the horse. It reverses the order of things. Revival is the demonstration of the glory of the Lord. It is the revelation of the presence of God. Of course, God is present everywhere, but he reveals his presence in glorious power when people seek him in repentance and faith, with the help of the Lord himself. And when God reveals himself and manifests his glory, hearts melt, knees bow, and lips confess to the Lord.

How we need a visitation from God! We may enjoy prosperity and wealth, but is God still present among us? In many churches there are signs that God’s glory has departed. We need to seek God’s help in aligning our lives with his way. May we desire the unmistakable presence of God more than the air we breathe!