Revival Stories
The 1804 Revival on the Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is found off the southwest coast of Scotland. In the late 1700’s, this island, with a population of 6000 people, had witnessed the Christian church there dwindle and weaken over time. The people, especially the youth, tragically turned away from following God and turned to pursuing their own pleasures and selfish goals.
It was here in 1804 that the first wave of revival swept over the northern towns of the island. In Christian history, sometimes revivals start very fast and with explosive growth. At other times, they start small and spread slowly over a region. On Arran, it began quietly with small groups of Christians who saw a reviving of their faith that radically transformed their attitudes and actions in the community. As the attendees worshiped and prayed and listened to the Word, the Holy Spirit would stir up in their hearts a keen awareness of personal sin and also a sense of helplessness to fix this problem on their own. The good news of the Gospel became very clear, and many sensed the Spirit powerfully revitalizing their faith. This gradually spread to various towns in the region.
However, the majority of the island population in 1804 strongly opposed this first wave of revival, even as the revived remnant started to burn more and more brightly in the following years. Those who had been spiritually ignited were filled with a deep compassion for the lost, and this compelled them to pray consistently and fervently for those far from God. They would set aside entire days to fast and to pray for the lost and for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the year 1811 especially, they persistently saturated Heaven with intercession and cries for spiritual breakthrough.
In March of 1812, the Lord started to stir up revival fire in the midst of the prayer meetings. People of all ages began to experience and respond to the Holy Spirit’s move. Some would cry out loudly in heart-torn grief over those who were lost. Many were overwhelmed by a strong conviction of sin in their lives. Others would tremble in the midst of their anguished prayers. Still others would describe experiencing the profound sense of God’s supernatural love, His peace, and His incredible joy.
The revival continued to spread that year throughout the island as the hunger for God’s Word intensified. People would travel long miles by horse or by foot. They would crowd into residences and halls to hear the preaching. After services, folks would take time to excitedly discuss what the Spirit had shown them. The awareness of God’s presence and favor marked those who attended. And many hundreds of non-believers received the Gospel and found salvation in Christ. God’s love had awakened the church once again on this little island.
QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS:
- What marks are evident in those whose hearts are experiencing personal revival?
- Why should we expect opposition during times of revival?
- What experiences can people have when the Spirit is present? Why do you think there is such a variety of responses to God’s revival power?