Read this now, but be cautious.

For me, the book of the moment is Malcolm Macdonald’s ‘Saturated With God: A cry for nation-changing revival’. It is so timely and impactful, and I can’t recommend it enough. Put down whatever else you are reading and get hold of a copy of Malcolm’s book instead. The message it contains is urgent and needs to be read now.

Urgent Need

I heard Malcolm speak at the New Wine Christian conference in England this summer; his was the most memorable seminar. He spoke of the urgent need for revival in the UK, and that we can play our part in readying ourselves for revival by praying and repenting. Although I had heard people talk of praying for revival before, I had not linked it with repentance and how the church needs to prepare itself and the communities it occupies for a move of the Spirit.

Read with a friend

I suggest that you don’t read the book on your own, and if you plan to order a copy, buy two instead and read it with a friend. The first section, in particular, is a tough read as Malcolm describes the dehydrated state of the church. These chapters left me feeling despondent, and the experience was rather like receiving a bad medical diagnosis; it was hard to live with the news of the sorry state that our church is in. However, having highlighted the problems, Malcolm moves on to challenge us and our churches to repent and prepare. God has poured out his Spirit in the past and brought revival to entire communities. He can do it again.

Ask yourself

If you are discontent (perhaps you feel dislocated!) with the current situation in your community and church and know there has to be more to the Christian life than what you are experiencing, then read this book. If you aren’t sure whether this book is for you, then ask yourself these two questions (from page 45): Why is God not using you in revival? When did you last lead a soul to Christ? I doubt any of us will be able to give confident replies.

There is hope

In later chapters, Malcolm offers solutions to the sorry and desperate state we find ourselves in, and the book becomes a life raft. There is hope, but it will take sacrifice and obedience. Are we ready?

Ultimately, the book left me completely dissatisfied with the church and Christians today, although I love them both. I long for more, and if you feel this way, too, you are not alone.

Saturate me with your Holy Spirit, please God, and bring along others with whom I can pray. May there be revival in our churches and communities.

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