Holiness and Hunger

Richard Owen Roberts said, “Personal holiness is not an option if we desire revival. It is the prerequisite.” Finney revivals transformed cities. Taverns closed. Jails emptied. Converts became abolitionists, prison reformers, and women’s rights advocates.

But why pursue holiness if Jesus already paid it all?

Hebrews says God corrects us so we may “share in His holiness.” Like standing under a holy umbrella—the closer we get to Him, the more we’re changed. Not by effort, but exposure. Like sunbaking—just being in His presence transforms us.

Holiness is the atmosphere of revival.

And hunger is its spark. Leonard Ravenhill said, “The only reason we don’t have revival is because we’re willing to live without it.”

Two elderly sisters in the Hebrides—blind and crippled—prayed from 10 pm to 4 am. Five weeks later, 20,000 saved. Church bells rang at 3 a.m. without being touched. People ran from taverns into the church.

Hunger transforms theory into craving. Interest observes from a distance. Hunger pursues.

Interest in God treats Him like a hobby. Hunger searches Scripture looking for Jesus. It craves encounter.

You can master theology and live dry. But hunger turns knowledge into fuel for intimacy.

Even if your hunger is just a coal—ask God to breathe on it.