Isaiah 45:8
 You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it …

The beautiful verses above are often linked to revival, where people repent of their sin and turn whole-heartedly to the Lord in every area of their lives.   I think Western Christians sometimes equate revival with good preaching and euphoria.

Revival has a costly personal price tag.  When a church in Japan began moving powerfully in the Holy Spirit, the church split.  Entire families were disowned and life-long friendships severed.  For example, all hearing impaired members of the deaf ministry left the church except one deaf couple.  Only one or two other people in the congregation could talk with them, but they chose to stay.  God fearing Christians were labeled demoniacs.  Sleep deprivation was common because of hours spent in prayer.  

In Vietnam, Pastor Eric Dooley knew revival was stirring.  Persecution struck.  Pastor Dooley thought for sure he was going to prison.  The entire church building was shut down by the government.

Sometimes persecution seems to be simply a counter-attack of the enemy, but I think it could be part of revival.  As we pray for revival, we ask God to purify our hearts and depend on Him; sometimes persecution is the answer.  

Joy Oaks