“He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross,
because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.”
Ezekiel 47:5 (NIV)
Welcome, friends. This is part 3 of a mini-series of weekly devotions I’ve entitled Awaken! Today, we ask the question: What will revival look like? If you’ve felt spiritually dry… if your soul has been stuck in survival mode… God has a vision for something deeper, fuller, and unstoppable. And it starts with a trickle.
In Ezekiel 47, the prophet sees a vision. Water flows from the temple. At first, it’s barely a trickle. But as Ezekiel walks with his guide, it grows—from ankle deep, to knee deep, to waist deep—until it becomes a mighty river too vast to cross. No rain. No streams feeding into it. Just a miraculous, multiplying flood flowing from the very heart of God.
This river is a picture of revival. And revival doesn’t begin with programs, polish, or pressure. It begins with presence—God’s presence. It’s not about us trying harder. It’s about God pouring out living water—Jesus, through the Holy Spirit—into a world desperate for hope. We’re not called to manage a trickle; we’re called to step into the deep waters.
Just like in any of the reality survival shows where water means life, we’re drawn to the source—Jesus. He is the river. And He doesn’t just trickle into our lives. He floods them with power, healing, and purpose. Phoebe Palmer once wrote, “The Spirit of God first awakens; then He delivers; then He empowers.” That’s revival.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown… it becomes a tree” (Matthew 13:31-32). Revival starts small. A whisper. A tug on your heart. And when you respond—when you pray, worship, serve, share, love—it grows.
So, here’s your invitation today:
Get your feet wet.
Then go deeper.
Ankle deep—pray.
Knee deep—join a group or serve.
Waist deep—mentor, share your faith, get bold.
Then let go and swim in the current of God’s Spirit.
Maybe you’re wondering, “How can I tell if revival is really coming?” Here’s a clue: when what God is doing feels bigger than you can handle alone, you’re right where He wants you.
The Church doesn’t need a survival plan—it needs a river. It needs awakened hearts, thirsty souls, and people like you crying out: “Do it again, God!”
Look for the water.
Step into the river.
Let Jesus carry you into the deep.
Because revival is already flowing.
Let’s pray:
“Lord, we’ve heard of your fame. We stand in awe of your deeds. In our day, in our time—do it again. Start with me. Let your river flow. Amen.”
Come back next time as we discover what happens when this river reaches the world—healing, fruit, and transformation. Until then… jump in!
Do it again, God!
Blessings,
Steve
