What is revival? For too many Christians the idea of revival is limited to images of a sweaty guest preacher and a special guest song-leader holding meetings for several nights of the week, an event planned months in advance to generate momentum and enthusiasm in our churches, something we do in hopes of winning converts to the faith.

While these things are all things that may be involved in revival, real revival is not the result of man’s effort. Real revival is the work of the Holy Spirit and the result of man’s faithful response to His prompting. Real revival doesn’t happen when we declare that a revival is taking place by putting up signs, sending out fliers, and inviting a well-known evangelist to preach for a week. True revival happens when, in humility, the people of God are broken over their sin, humbled in the presence of God, and respond in repentance by seeking His face. Do you want to experience revival? It is a renovation of the heart that will be painful at times but which will bring glory to Christ. Are you ready? Are you willing?

Evan Roberts was a Welshman at the turn of the 20th century who prayed a simple prayer of humility: “Bend me O God.” He was a simple man whose humble response to God’s moving still impacts the world today. Click his image above to listen to the full sermon from Derek Young.