Did you see the social media post recently listing Bible sales and music downloads as an indicator of a religious revival in America? In response, church researcher, Ryan Burge, stated that for even a 3% church attendance increase (over the general population in USA), it would mean (on average) every church in America (about 300,000 houses of worship) would increase attendance by 35 people in the last 90 days. The average church in America has 75 people. Has every church grown to 110? “On the ground reporting doesn’t match that reality,” he said. According to Burge, while there are examples of a church here or there showing remarkable growth, increased attendance is not happening. Most churches are in decline. But are Bible sales, music downloads or even church attendance indicators of revival? I’m not so sure.

When revival comes to America, we will know it. Everyone will know it—Christian and non-Christian alike will know it. It won’t be a church here or a church there experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. It will be a fresh wind sweeping across our land. It will result in changed hearts and changed churches, but also changed workplaces and schools. Justice will roll like a mighty stream. Relationships will be restored. Wrongs will be righted. Forgiveness offered and received. God’s kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven, in other words.

When revival comes to America, there probably will be more Bibles sold, more Christian songs downloaded and more “butts in the pews,” but it will be much more than that. The hungry will be fed. Prisoners will be visited. Strangers welcomed. Sinners and non-sinners alike would be blessed by a mighty revival. The name of Jesus will be lifted high across the land. 

When revival to comes to America, there will be a burning, ever-present longing for Jesus. I want that. I really do. I am praying for that end. it will mean commitment. I’m not talking about the sacrifice from strangers in the great unknown corners of the country, I’m talking about me. I’m praying revival starts in me. It will mean letting go of my desires and seeking Jesus with all I have. I’m praying for the courage to be willing to do everything needed to see revival happen in the church, in our land and in me.

When revival comes to America, I will be changed.