With few exceptions, the mantra I hear from pastors and laity around the world is a cry for revival. When our God has promised us so much, why are we experiencing such dryness? Why are our youth asking the question of Elisha, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah" (II Kings 2:14)? Pentecostal youth are rightly asking where is the God of our fathers. We've heard the stories and seen the liturgies, but where is the power?

There are many elements to experiencing a move of God, but much prayer, fasting and persistence are essential elements. This passion comes from a holy dissatisfaction with status quo and church as usual. It only flows out of a heart and spirit that "hungers and thirsts" (Matt. 5:6) for God. The power and presence of God (or lack thereof) exposes one inescapable truth: many, if not most are neither hungry nor thirsty for God. All of our talk and impressive praying notwithstanding, the move of God in our lives and churches requires passionate private and public worship. It will expose our sinfulness, assault our pride and demand repentance. Our schedules and priorities change; and, as they do, we realize God requires more and our old way of serving God will not suffice. We draw back, as Israel so many years ago (Deut. 5:5: "for you were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount").

The move of God's Spirit (the fire) exposes sin and attitudes of the heart that were comfortably hiding in individuals. Without the heat, they would linger undetected for years, carelessly ensconced in the bosom of believers. But the fire will not allow them to remain hidden. Hence, with a move of God comes division between the thirsty and the satisfied. How I wish that were not true, but it is—— unequivocally!

The Water of which I write, is none other than the Holy Spirit which heaven has so freely given. Proverbs 1:23, "...Behold I will pour (naba: to gush forth, to utter) out my spirit unto you." We are to seek (Isa. 32:15) "Until the spirit be poured (arah: to bare, empty or pour) upon us from on high." Joel 2: 28: "...I will pour (shaphak: to spill forth, gush, pour, as a liquid) out my spirit on all flesh."

There you have it! The river of the Holy Ghost is real and flowing now! It is too deep to touch bottom and too broad to swim across, but in the middle it is swiftly flowing to all who will plunge in. But Ezekiel 47:12 reveals that not all are healed. Why? It is only for the thirsty!

Isaiah 55:1 "Ho, everyone that is thirsty, come to the waters." "If any one thirsts, let him come onto me" (Jn, 7:37). "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty" (Isaiah 44:3).

Not all are thirsty, and the non-thirsty crowd is greatly irritated by the thirsty. The non-thirsty crowd causes confusion, division and rebellion. If they cannot have their way, they separate themselves from the thirsty, but they never go peaceably or quietly. No, they will cause as much damage as possible on their way out, always justifying ungodly behavior with spiritual platitudes. It is little wonder so many pastors are unwilling to thirstily pursue the move of God. It is not all glory, but much pain accompanies the fire.