When the Spirit Speaks

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left. - Isaiah 30:21

“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 

Martie and I are taking a class at the church we are attending to qualify us as teachers for a connection group - think Sunday school class.  There is a spectrum of Christian maturity among those taking the class. So when the instructor mentioned the the Spirit speaks, I asked him to clarify what that looks like. Not for me, but there are a number of younger Christians who might hear the words but not really understand what the Spirit speaking sounds like. I caught him off guard with the question - not intentionally - and he didn't really answer it. So I thought I would write about it. Jesus said ....

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. - John 14:26

I would like to say He speaks with a voice - but He doesn't - really. Do you remember Elijah in the cave?

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

In my experience, when the Spirit has spoken, it is more of an impression than an audible voice. Let me give you a recent example. A few weeks ago I broke a tooth, at the gum line, and had to have the root extracted and then a bridge made. I told the dental assistant that I have been in 2 wars, flown helicopters, and done some other dangerous things - but none of that compares to my sitting in that dentist chair.  

When I broke the tooth I went to see a local dentist for an evaluation but I had the sense that  I should contact a friend of ours, a dentist named Ben, in Montgomery, Alabama to see if he would do the work. I had not talked to him in several years. That required us to make a 10 hour drive from Houston to do it, but I "felt" it was the right thing to do. He agreed immediately. As some of you know, we have been making wooden napkin holders to gift to widows and widowers as a way to encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus and their faith in the Father. I happened to have a test piece with a cross and the word "Faithful" engraved on it. I "felt" that I should take it to Montgomery and give it to Ben. When I arrived at the office and sat down in the "CHAIR" I set the plaque on the work table for Ben to see. When he did he got excited - grabbed the plaque and said that he would be right back.

You see - Ben had started a men's Bible study group and he had told them that he was asking God to give him a sign that what he was doing was the right thing. And God had me give him the sign - a physical sign. Ben took a picture of it and sent it to all of the men in the study. Would God prompt me by His Spirit to drive to Montgomery to hand Ben a piece of wood? Uh - absolutely. Could I have decided that driving all that way to do something that I could do in Houston was too much trouble - Absolutely.  But I felt going was right without knowing the significance of our making the trip. Later, I told the dental assistant that my primary reason for coming to Montgomery was not to get my tooth fixed - God had sent me to encourage Ben. God is good!

One more example. I was on staff with Promise Keepers for a time in the mid '90s.  I attended the PK Pastor’s conference in 1995 in Atlanta.  There were about 40,000 ministers in the Georgia Dome attending the conference. As we all prayed in silence, with eyes closed, 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. Well, I peeked. I confess it!  But 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?”  Ever since, Doves have been following me around.  I won’t go into details … but it is not just my imagination running away with me!  And I thank God each time for the reminder to me that He is with me.  

You know that God has sealed you with His Spirit.  He has blessed you with every spiritual blessing. Rather than hope that the Spirit will speak to you - expect to hear from Him - watch for Him - it won't in be great and strong wind that tears the mountains and breaks in pieces the rocks or an earthquake. It won't be a fire by night or a cloud by day but, instead it will be the sound of a low whisper or an impression.

And when it happens, like Samuel, just say "Yes Lord, your servant is listening." 

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