When God sends revival to a church or family or a community it is commonly understood that the revival is the work of the Holy Spirit.   The Spirit’s work is much like the wind, which in itself cannot be seen.   What we can see are the results of the work of the Spirit.

The Scriptures have recorded for us many different outcomes or results of the work of the Spirit. Below is a partial list:

• in the creation

Genesis 1:2; 2:7; Job 26:13; 33:4; Psalms 33:6

• sustainer

Psalms 104:27-30

• in prophecy

Numbers 24:2; 1 Samuel 10:10; Nehemiah 9:20; Hosea 9:7; Joel 2:28; Zechariah 7:12; Luke 1:67; 2:25-33

• conception

Matthew 1:18, 20; Luke 1:34-35

• sealing as guarantee of future inheritance

2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30

• indwelling

John 14:17; Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16;

• giving spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7

• intercessor in prayer

Romans 8:26, 27

• comforting

John 14:16, 17; 16:7

• guiding

John 16:13; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18

Another work of the Spirit is His making us to be sons and daughters of God:   Romans 8:14-16 (AMP)
¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
¹⁵ For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!
¹⁶ The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.

 Could it be that when we were born from above by the Spirit and immediately became children of God that this act of the Spirit bringing rebirth and indwelling is God’s primary preparation in us for the work that God has planned for us from before we were formed in our mother’s womb?    We see, no doubt, in the work of the Spirit, not unlike the wind, results that vary greatly, both in type and in magnitude.  

Revival is often described by those who have experienced its impact, as fire.   It seems they can find no better term to reach the reality of the power and might of true revival.   The fire of revival has been said to cleanse and purify, to empower, to convict and to bring indescribable joy.    It may be similar to what the two men who unknowingly walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus experienced; Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"  

Holy Spirit empowered revival may be near the higher end of the results that we can see of the works of the Spirit.   As in the many other works of the Spirit, there is much diversity in the evidence and the outcomes of revival.  However, there is one consistent characteristic of revival.   Revival has always been incubated in prayer, believing persistent fervent prayer. 

The revival God has planned for our times will no doubt like its predecessors be born in prayer.     We have been given the high and holy privilege of participating in this revival birthing process.  Not entirely unlike Mary who was used in the biggest birth of all time.    Will you chose to participate?    Will you pray?