“When it pleased God…” —Galatians 1:15
“As servants of God, we must learn to make room
for Him— to give God “elbow room.” We plan and figure and predict that this or
that will happen, but we forget to make room for God to come in as He chooses.
Would we be surprised if God came into our meeting or into our preaching in a
way we had never expected Him to come? Do not look for God to come in a
particular way, but do look for Him. […] Keep your life so constantly in touch
with God that His surprising power can break through at any point. Live in a
constant state of expectancy, and leave room for God to come in as He decides.”
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
Do you expect for God to show up for you,
personally? What does that look like in
your mind? A burning bush? The Shekinah glory as a cloud or pillar of
fire? Or a still small voice?
“And he [the Lord] said, ‘Go out and stand on
the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and
strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord,
but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the
Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord
was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when
Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the
entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, ‘What are
you doing here, Elijah?’” – 1 Kings 19:11-13
If you are looking for God to show up .. He is
already has. When we gather to worship,
we don’t have to ask the Lord to show up.
His Spirit is in each believer.
People may not be willing to admit it, but they would really prefer that
God show up in the wind or earthquake or fire.
I was on staff with Promise Keepers for a
time. I attended the PK Pastor’s
conference in 1995 in Atlanta. There
were about 40,000 ministers in the Georgia Dome. We were asked to be silent and close our eyes
to pray as a solemn assembly. As we all
prayed in silence, I peeked. I confess
it! I was wondering how God would show
himself in this glorious event. Perhaps the roof would open and God’s Shekinah
Glory would once again appear. As I
looked up, I saw a single dove flying in circles above the crowd. I closed my eyes, opened them again and the
dove was gone. So I thought – get a grip
Charley, you were seeing things. After
the Amen … a man standing next to me said “Hey did you see that Dove flying
over the crowd?” Is it OK if God doesn’t
answer your prayer in the way you would like but He assures you that He is
still sovereign? By the way, ever since,
Doves have been following me around. I
won’t go into details … but it is not my imagination. And I thank God for the reminder every time a
dove shows up.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me
with all your heart.” – Jeremiah
29:13
Have you ever known someone who was not really
interested in you, but in what you could give them? Why are you interested in God? Is He merely a fireman, maybe a divine waiter,
or is He the source of life? He has
already given you the greatest gift that can be given – eternal life in His
Son. He has sealed you with His Spirit. He has blessed you with every spiritual
blessing. (Read Ephesians 1 and 2) That,
my friend, is a reason to rejoice no matter what comes your way in this life.
Think about it – Pray about it - Believe it –
Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His
Glory Alone
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