Living With Spiritual Discernment

And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” - Luke 8:45-46

A woman with a flow of blood for twelve years had spent all her money on physicians and could not be healed by any of them. She came from behind and touched the border of Jesus' garment. And immediately she was healed.

I don't know how many times I have read those passages.  Of all of the people pressing to get a glimpse of Jesus, only one had the faith to believe in Him. I am certain that you have moved through a big crowd of people. Brushing past people that you don't know and don't even look at. That was happening to Jesus. 

Peter was looking at the crowd through the eyes of man - Jesus was looking at the hearts of those around Him. He sensed the spiritual encounter with the woman. 

As we go about our business each day - we pass by many people. Most are not interested in knowing Jesus the Messiah. They don't want to know Jesus - they are OK with just knowing about Jesus. But there are the few who will enter through the narrow gate. 

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20

That does not mean that we are all evangelists 

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers - Ephesians 4:11

But we are all ambassadors and are speak to others on Christ's behalf. 

I woke up this morning having just had a dream. In the dream, I was talking with a young woman about this very matter and asked how she might engage someone in conversation. To with she replied "Hello, how are you doing?" To which I said - you are asking the wrong question. That is an open ended question - to which I could answer - "How am I doing with what?" Or with a flippant "I am blessed" or "I'm good." They figure you really care to know you are just being polite and/or they really don't want to say.

Dr. John Maxwell once said that "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." 

The point of the dream, I think, was that I need spiritual discernment to see beyond someone's words to the person's heart - like Jesus did. And I need to be ready and willing.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear - 1 Peter 3:15

The Lord will give you opportunity when you least expect it

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