The Individual’s Role in Spiritual Awakening
2Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Understanding the Nature of Revival
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that a common misunderstanding about revival is waiting passively for a dramatic, collective, or supernatural event, while neglecting the essential role of the individual. He argues that spiritual awakening is not something that simply descends on a group as a whole, but must begin within each person’s heart.
The Individual Experience
Tozer draws a parallel between spiritual revival and both birth and death: while these events may happen to many people at the same time, each person experiences them uniquely and alone. Likewise, even if a large group is touched by a spiritual movement, revival is always a personal, solitary encounter between an individual and God.
Personal Responsibility in Revival
The text stresses that nothing external can prevent a person from experiencing spiritual renewal if they truly desire it. Whether surrounded by spiritually apathetic individuals or in a vibrant faith community, revival is accessible to anyone who earnestly seeks it. The transformation is a direct matter between God and the individual soul.
Key Takeaways
- Revival must begin in the heart of each individual believer.
- Group revival is only possible when the individuals within the group are personally revived.
- Personal spiritual awakening is not hindered by external circumstances; it depends on one’s willingness and openness to God.
- Each person’s relationship with God is unique and cannot be substituted or experienced by proxy.
Conclusion
Tozer’s message is clear: do not wait for collective movements or outward signs. Instead, focus on your own spiritual condition and pursue personal revival. In doing so, you contribute to the broader renewal of the community, but the journey always starts with you.
