DAY 25: The Two Faces Of Revival

By David Smithers (Riverside Prayer Ranch)

“He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
— Malachi 4:6 (NKJV)

When God wants to awaken a sleeping church and rescue a lost world, He loves to use the younger generation! Throughout the centuries, God has repeatedly raised up the humble and least experienced among us to accomplish His greatest works. Most great revivalists and missionaries throughout history have been young men and women in their twenties. New challenges and changes often require the strength of a new generation of revival pioneers.

Nevertheless, revival is never just about one group or generation. A careful study of Church history reveals that the promises of Joel 2 are always fulfilled in every great revival. “Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.” (Joel 2:28–29)

Yes, there are two different faces of revival — two different generations working together to pray and prepare the way for a fresh visitation of God. Like the covenant friendship of Ruth and Naomi or the united faith of Elizabeth and the virgin Mary, God loves to birth revival through blending different generations. My favorite example of this multi-generational partnership is found in Exodus 17:8-15. Here, we find the Amalekites threatening the children of Israel. Moses calls up a young leader by the name of Joshua to assemble an army to defeat the enemies of God. This is the first time we find Joshua mentioned in the Scriptures. He would go on to lead God’s people through countless battles of faith and eventually become the successor of Moses.

Most of us know the story of Exodus 17:10-13 of how Moses and the older generation went to the mountaintop to watch and pray for Joshua’s army as they fought in the valley below. Soon Moses’ hands of prayer began to grow weak, and then the Amalekites began to grow strong and prevail against Joshua. But with the support of Aaron and Hur, Moses persevered in prayer until Joshua and his young army defeated their enemies. This is what united and focused prayer can do! This is why the younger generation needs the fervent prayers of their fathers, mothers, grandparents, and church leaders. One generation's victory is tied to another's faith and prayers. God’s Kingdom is advanced from generation to generation — We need one another’s prayers to finish well. True family is still the best way to true revival.

PRAYER POINTS:

• Ask God to help you recognize your need for the gifts and insights of others.
• Ask God to help you plan and work like a true family.
• Ask for the help and prayers of your fathers and mothers.