I think I’ve been praying for the wrong thing.

I celebrated the “reviving” event at Asbury University and prayed it would expand into a nation-wide spiritual awakening during which many would come into the life and lifestyle of Jesus’ Kingdom. I was/am angry at those who argued that the Asbury event was not a bona-fide spiritual awakening. I want to ask them if they are pleased that it had limited impact. But then, I’m left with—Why the limited impact?

First, we must be clear about words. What we see in such events as “Asbury” is indeed a revival. God’s people were revived, renewed, refreshed and took the next step in their personal faith development. When the prayer movement people talk about revival, they see reviving of Jesus’ Followers and a harvest of souls. I’ve been praying for a revival.

Charles G. Finney was a leader of the 2^nd Great Awakening. One of the earliest stories I heard about the working of the Holy Spirit is about Finney walking through a garment factory. Machines ceased as he passed, and the workers began to weep under the conviction of sin. “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:31). Other stories about entire factories stopping the work as conviction settled on those needing to repent and trust Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross for the only hope of salvation.

Second Chronicles 7:14 quotes God, “If my people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face, forsake their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land.” That is about revival and fresh commitment.

Jesus said, “And He (Holy Spirit), when He comes will convict the world about (the guilt of) sin and the need for a Savior… (John 16:8). In verse 8 the word convict also implies convince.

Holy Spirit conviction may come as “heightened sensitivity.” If it is manipulative it is not Holy Spirit. Conviction is not limited to conscience. Conviction offers solution, not just guilt. It offers clarity. Holy Spirit responds to a heightened sensitivity that something is missing, perhaps an inner thirst.

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins” (Mark 2:22).

Historically, revivals are connected to human leadership. There are contemporary stories of entire villages or tens of thousands responding to the preached message of the Gospel. Expect new containers–methods we have not seen before. The sense is heavy on me that given suspicion and lack of trust, Holy Spirit will also approach entire cities or gatherings in malls or at ballgames to convict of sin apart from preaching. I know! We have not seen anything like this in our lifetimes. That’s what they said in Mark 2 as Jesus spoke and healed.

Jesus is recording by John in 16:8-11,

“And when [Holy Spirit] comes, He will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment:  ⁹about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; ¹⁰ about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; ¹¹ about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned” (Amplified Bible).

Conviction—the encounter with the Holy God and awareness of personal sin, righteousness, judgement. Holy Spirit conviction is not about God telling us how bad or flawed we are. It is about revealing that we have a need for forgiveness by God and healing. I sense one more element.

Jesus was not only talking about individuals when he said sin, righteousness, judgement. He was talking about neighborhoods, families, nations, and cultures. He was talking about USA-2023.

I was about to launch this blog. But I needed to exercise a bit. As I walked, I listened to the Mark Rutland podcast—The Leader’s Notebook. Rutland powerfully says what I am trying to say. This came heavily onto my spirit as I calculated where Western culture is.

https://the-leaders-notebook-with-dr-mark-rutland.castos.com/episodes/ep-172-the-journey-home

Yes, we are to pray, “Lord, revive your people.” A spiritual awakening also demands His people pray, “Lord, send Holy Spirit conviction and convincing.” As you pray that supplication, can you visualize what conviction of sin, righteousness, judgement will look like? And a renewed nation?

©2023 D. Dean Benton,   Meanderer, Wonderer, Ponderer, Opinionator.