Don't Miss the Wave
Don't Miss the Wave: Practices of Renewal to Ride the Wave of Revival
There’s something mesmerizing about watching a surfer glide across the face of a wave. It looks effortless—like they were made for it. But any surfer will tell you: catching the wave is the hardest part. You have to see it coming before it’s fully formed. You have to paddle before the momentum is there. If you’re not positioned correctly, the wave will pass you by.
The same is true with revival.
Moves of God are like waves—they rise and fall, crest and crash. Throughout history, there have been churches, cities, and entire generations that have missed the wave of God’s Spirit simply because they weren’t ready. And right now, we are on the edge of something profound. The waters are shifting. A set wave is forming. The question is: are we positioned to catch it?
A Stirring in the Church
Over the past few years, something has been happening in the church—both in America and beyond. From pastors in urban centers to students on college campuses, I keep seeing the same hunger, the same longing for something deeper than church as usual. People are tired of empty religiosity. They want the real thing.
This is not about building bigger ministries. It’s about seeking God’s presence over the presence of attenders. It’s about rediscovering discipleship in a world drowning in distraction. And here’s what’s true in every revival in history: those who long for renewal and pursue it will see the Spirit of God move in power.
Renewal and Revival: What’s the Difference?
Mark Sayers puts it this way in The Reappearing Church:
"[Renewal is] A) The refreshment, release, and advancement that individuals, groups, churches and cultures experience when they are realigned with God’s presence. B) The redemption of our God – given purpose to participate with God fully, participating in his plan to flood the world with his presence."
Revival is when renewal goes viral, he says.
In other words, revival is simply accelerated renewal. If we want to see revival in our churches, our cities, and our generation, we must first seek renewal in our own lives.
This is exactly what we see in King Josiah’s story. A nation lost in idolatry. A people who had abandoned God. Yet, when Josiah heard the words of Scripture for the first time, he was wrecked. He tore his robes in repentance. He realigned his life and his leadership under the authority of God. And because of one man’s renewal, an entire nation experienced revival.
Here’s what we need to understand: God is not waiting for a crowd. He’s waiting for a person.
What’s Holding You Back?
For many of us, the problem isn’t a lack of desire—it’s that we’re weighed down. Some of us feel spiritually stuck. Others of us are caught in distraction, weighed down by sin, or paralyzed by fear. But renewal is possible. And the obstacles in front of us can be removed.
Fear—We care too much about what others will think. But desperation always precedes renewal.
Shame—We feel unworthy. But God has already chosen us, already called us His own.
Pride—We think we’re fine. But humility is the gateway to transformation.
Apathy—We feel numb. But obedience always leads to fresh desire.
Rebellion—We resist surrender. But God’s invitation isn’t to restriction—it’s to life.
We must shake off the weight. We must let go of what’s holding us back. Because this moment demands a response.
Position Yourself for the Wave
Zechariah 3:1 says: "Return to me, and I will return to you."
God is waiting. The wave is forming. And this is the moment to position ourselves.
How? By adopting practices that root us in God’s presence:
Prayer—Not just occasional, but desperate, daily pursuit.
Scripture—Not just reading, but immersing ourselves in the story of God.
Worship—Not just singing, but surrendering our whole lives.
Obedience—Not just hearing, but acting on what God has spoken.
Moves of God don’t come to the passive. They come to those who are hungry, expectant, and ready.
Don’t Miss This
Revival is not a theory. It’s not a possibility. It’s a promise.
But history has shown us that some will step into it, and some will let it pass them by.
So, the question is simple: Will you be ready?
Now is the time. Don’t hesitate. Don’t let the moment slip past. Turn your heart toward God, shake off everything that hinders, and step into the renewal He is bringing.
The wave is forming. Don’t miss it.
The same is true with revival.
Moves of God are like waves—they rise and fall, crest and crash. Throughout history, there have been churches, cities, and entire generations that have missed the wave of God’s Spirit simply because they weren’t ready. And right now, we are on the edge of something profound. The waters are shifting. A set wave is forming. The question is: are we positioned to catch it?
A Stirring in the Church
Over the past few years, something has been happening in the church—both in America and beyond. From pastors in urban centers to students on college campuses, I keep seeing the same hunger, the same longing for something deeper than church as usual. People are tired of empty religiosity. They want the real thing.
This is not about building bigger ministries. It’s about seeking God’s presence over the presence of attenders. It’s about rediscovering discipleship in a world drowning in distraction. And here’s what’s true in every revival in history: those who long for renewal and pursue it will see the Spirit of God move in power.
Renewal and Revival: What’s the Difference?
Mark Sayers puts it this way in The Reappearing Church:
"[Renewal is] A) The refreshment, release, and advancement that individuals, groups, churches and cultures experience when they are realigned with God’s presence. B) The redemption of our God – given purpose to participate with God fully, participating in his plan to flood the world with his presence."
Revival is when renewal goes viral, he says.
In other words, revival is simply accelerated renewal. If we want to see revival in our churches, our cities, and our generation, we must first seek renewal in our own lives.
This is exactly what we see in King Josiah’s story. A nation lost in idolatry. A people who had abandoned God. Yet, when Josiah heard the words of Scripture for the first time, he was wrecked. He tore his robes in repentance. He realigned his life and his leadership under the authority of God. And because of one man’s renewal, an entire nation experienced revival.
Here’s what we need to understand: God is not waiting for a crowd. He’s waiting for a person.
What’s Holding You Back?
For many of us, the problem isn’t a lack of desire—it’s that we’re weighed down. Some of us feel spiritually stuck. Others of us are caught in distraction, weighed down by sin, or paralyzed by fear. But renewal is possible. And the obstacles in front of us can be removed.
Fear—We care too much about what others will think. But desperation always precedes renewal.
Shame—We feel unworthy. But God has already chosen us, already called us His own.
Pride—We think we’re fine. But humility is the gateway to transformation.
Apathy—We feel numb. But obedience always leads to fresh desire.
Rebellion—We resist surrender. But God’s invitation isn’t to restriction—it’s to life.
We must shake off the weight. We must let go of what’s holding us back. Because this moment demands a response.
Position Yourself for the Wave
Zechariah 3:1 says: "Return to me, and I will return to you."
God is waiting. The wave is forming. And this is the moment to position ourselves.
How? By adopting practices that root us in God’s presence:
Prayer—Not just occasional, but desperate, daily pursuit.
Scripture—Not just reading, but immersing ourselves in the story of God.
Worship—Not just singing, but surrendering our whole lives.
Obedience—Not just hearing, but acting on what God has spoken.
Moves of God don’t come to the passive. They come to those who are hungry, expectant, and ready.
Don’t Miss This
Revival is not a theory. It’s not a possibility. It’s a promise.
But history has shown us that some will step into it, and some will let it pass them by.
So, the question is simple: Will you be ready?
Now is the time. Don’t hesitate. Don’t let the moment slip past. Turn your heart toward God, shake off everything that hinders, and step into the renewal He is bringing.
The wave is forming. Don’t miss it.
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