Happy Wednesday! It is February 21, 2024. Some years ago, Bob Seger wrote a hit song: "Against the Wind." Have you ever tried running against the wind? It's not fun. You put out twice the effort for a fraction of the progress. You can sense it when you're fighting an uphill battle with the Holy Spirit. You know His way is best, but you are so set in your ways that you press on despite what He is impressing on your heart. And one of the worst things is, if you keep insisting on your way, He lets you win. That ends your story. Read on...
Today's Reading:
Numbers 8,9; Acts 28
Scripture
“Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out. They obeyed the Lord's order ...” (Numbers 9:22).
Observation
It wasn't the weather. It wasn't the schedule. It wasn't the terrain nor the deadlines that dictated their movement. Instead, it was the Presence of the Lord. When He moved, they moved. When He stopped, they did too. I have observed the hand of God for many years, watching His favor set down on some and taken up from others. I have also seen His favor on a ministry for just a season, and then it lifts.
Application
What do we mean by "the Hand of God?" I am referring to His Presence. It is not always recognizable empirically, but it can be intuited. We notice it by the marks of His favor... there's a sense of unity, joy, a desire to see God move, a freshness in worship, and receptivity in people's hearts. It is seen in the unity between co-laborers in the Gospel, a willing-heartedness, and the fruit of lives being changed. His absence will deliver the opposite of this—cynicism, doubt, an individualistic theology, and an unwillingness to change. If the Hand of God is not on an organization, if His presence is not keenly sensed, everything gets harder, and we begin to develop man-made ministries.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, my deep desire is to welcome and host Your Presence. I am still learning all the ramifications of this, but one thing I do know... we can have the greatest technology in the world, super ideas, and wonderfully talented people, but until You bless us with Your Presence, we will be running against the wind.
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