Have you noticed something shifting in hearts lately? A quiet hum of longing for more than what the world offers — not just comfort or religion, but deep, personal connection with God. I believe we’re seeing the beginnings of a Revival of Faith in America, and it’s time we pay attention to how it’s unfolding.
This isn’t about hype or sensationalism — revival, at its core, is about God awakening souls.
What Revival (and Renewal) Really Means
Revival is more than an emotional experience — it’s lasting transformation: repentance, deeper devotion, changed lives, not just loud moments. It’s not just about a moment- it’s a lasting change in lives.
Really…Revival can only be determined after the fact…we can’t tell in the midst if something is true Revival.
The word renewal might be more accurate for where we’re at — stirring, reawakening, spiritual hunger before, Lord willing, a widespread outpouring.
A Recent Example: The Asbury Outpouring
One of the most visible recent movements is the 2023 Asbury revival in Kentucky. What began as students staying after chapel turned into a 16-day worship and prayer gathering, drawing tens of thousands across the U.S. and beyond.
If you don’t remember, or want to refresh your memory…Here’s a few minute Asbury Revival Video that helps explain and show what happened.
It started small, it started organically…social media helped it spread…young people were sincere and wanted more…The event wasn’t controlled by one church or denomination — it was spontaneous and pure.
And it was beautiful! People from all over the world…who were also desperate for more…traveled just to be a part of it. Not wanting to miss what God might do in their midst.
Signs all around us
And I think we, as a nation, are having another outpouring. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has spread across the world, and it has sparked a fire that is growing. (Read more about that in my post on Charlie Kirk here) There is such a hunger and desire for more- combined with an exhaustion at having to stifle their faith to fit into a lost world and avoid conflict.
One of the most encouraging things I’ve read in quite a while -from a secular source no less- is a report from Barna that shows that not only is faith in Jesus on the rise…but it’s the young people leading the change in tide!
Barna’s recent research reveals a rise in personal commitment to Jesus: 66% of U.S. adults now say that commitment is still active, up from 54% in 2021.
Younger generations are showing an increased openness and desire for authentic deeper faith.
Many of these young people are also saying that their faith is private and that they feel less able to share it with others…which is a place that we need to help them in…But the seed is there!
Revival must effect our daily lives.
Revival isn’t just grand moments though… Revival is something that must happen individually in each believer’s heart. It must show itself in real ways…
Repentance — we must have hearts willing to change and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. True repentance will result in obedience to God.
Prayer & Intercession — we will consistently talk with our Heavenly Father. Not only about our needs, but in thanks to Him for all He has done, and on behalf of others.
Scripture Re-engagement — a hunger for God’s Word, not just quick snacks of a verse here and there being spoonfed to us.
Testimony & Sharing — one heart telling another what God has done…that’s all that it takes! We don’t have to be able to explain everything to someone else…or be able to answer every question… We just need to share our personal experience. I love a quote from The Chosen…it’s by Mary…she says “I was one way…and now I’m completely different- and the thing that happened in the middle was Him.”
Community + Discipleship — we will desire to live with our brothers and sisters in Christ. People by nature crave connection and belonging…and when revival happens in a soul they want to be with their family of faith.
A warning on Emotionalism & What to Guard Against
Not every stirring is true revival. We must be able to discern what we are seeing:
Are the changes lasting or fleeting? This is why we really can’t say if something is a revival in the midst of it…and why we can’t be certain that now is a widespread revival- although there are certainly private ones happening!
Is Scripture being elevated or overshadowed? The only Word of God that we hear in these days are the Words in the Bible. There is no new revelation…if we want to grow closer to God, to each other, and to have revival we MUST be in the Word. Is the movement bringing you to the Word? Or is it being overshadowed by the production of something?
Is holiness, not just emotion, being produced? Are lives being changed in the everyday? And is that change to one of obedience?
Is the fruit visible in the believers life? Jesus says you will know them by their fruit…what they believe is what will come out in action and word…Is there a change?
Emotions are fickle, fleeting & will flat out lie to you. Emotions are not grounded in truth, and are not the sign of sincerity.
To be honest… I can get emotional watching a commercial. lol It’s true…those Christmas commercials where the family members get to come home and surprise their families…gets me every time! But my teary eyes are not truth…it’s emotion in reaction to a good marketing message.
Emotion is not something we can base our eternity on.
Join the Movement — Start Where You Are
Revival doesn’t require a megachurch or large crowd. It begins with one heart, one life, one decision.
Dive into reading your Bible. Even just a chapter a day…start there…let it grow.
Go to church and meet someone new.
Join us for our 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge. You can grab the Journal on Amazon and walk through it with your friends and family…it’s a great way to focus your heart on God!
God is not done!
The Holy Spirit is stirring in unexpected places and quiet corners. Revival may seem slow at first — but when one heart turns, it can ripple outward…and you can be one of those ripples.
May your soul awaken to His presence. May gratitude lead to worship.
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
