As the new year unfolds, Hope Chapel’s Pastor Andrew Cole delivered a stirring message about the importance of spiritual preparation. With visible emotion, he spoke about the powerful movement of faith he sees taking shape across denominations and nations. While some might call it a revival, he emphasised his desire for whatever happens within the church to be authentic and deeply rooted in God’s work.
Reflecting on a recent young adult conference, he recalled a video showcasing generations of faith-driven movements. The message was clear: God’s work is ongoing, and each generation is simply stepping into what he has been doing all along. However, he admitted that while the video was inspiring, he felt something was missing—a sense of action beyond prayer. This led him to a profound quote by A.W. Tozer:
“Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late and how little revival has resulted?”
Pastor Andrew shared that he believes the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work! He challenged the congregation to reflect on this statement, emphasising that while prayer is powerful, true revival comes through obedience to God’s call.
Drawing from Scripture highlighted in Joshua 3:5: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” In this passage, the Israelites stood on the brink of the Promised Land but were instructed to prepare themselves before crossing the Jordan River. Likewise, he urged the congregation to recognize that while God desires to do amazing things, they must prepare their hearts and lives for His work.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, both for the church and individuals. From rebuilding after disruptions in recent years to seeking direction in careers, health, and relationships, many feel uncertain about the future. However, be reminded that God’s wonders do not appear out of nowhere—they require preparation.
What it means to consecrate oneself? In biblical terms, consecration means to be set apart for holiness. Pastor Andrew referenced Leviticus 11:44, where God commands His people to be holy because he is holy, and 2 Timothy 2:21, where Paul describes how personal holiness prepares believers for God’s work; emphasising that consecration is not about achieving perfection but about intentionally aligning one’s life with God’s will.
As an example, he recounted the Welsh Revival of the early 1900s. It began with a simple testimony in a church service, yet it led to a nationwide transformation. Bars and gambling establishments shut down due to lack of interest, and even the miners’ horses had to adjust to their owners’ newfound purity of speech – how incredible! This was the power of obedience—one person’s faithfulness can ignite an entire movement.
Consider what specific areas in our lives need to be consecrated. “The Holy Spirit is perfectly capable of convicting us,” Pastor Andrew reminded the congregation, “You likely already know what God is asking of you.” Whether in integrity, relationships, or personal devotion, everyone is urged to take active steps in their faith journey.