I think our tendency as a church is to be passive, waiting on a Sovereign God to initiate so we can respond. But what if that verse is really saying when my people volunteer freely it will usher in the day of my power? What if He’s waiting for us to initiate something?
Could it be that God is sitting up there looking around, just waiting to back with His power some people who whole heartedly fast and pray and seek Him? Hanani thought so. That’s the seer in 2 Chronicles 16:9 who said, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
Look at it this way. When His power does come to the church, it wrecks our schedules anyway. Why not act like we expect His power and go ahead and build our schedules around Him now?
AMEN!
ReplyDeleteKathleen Hill
Amen Tony! When the disciples came to Jesus with the man whose spirit they couldn't handle, Jesus told them "This kind only comes out with prayer and fasting." He then took care of it RIGHT AWAY. Jesus didn't say "Bring him back in three days when I've had a chance to pray and fast." He was already praying and fasting so He was prepared when the opportunity arose. We should follow His example and always be ready.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminded me of a college roommate who would pray early in the morning. Daily, I'd get up to hear her saying, "Oh Jesus, may I fast for you today?"
ReplyDeleteClearly, she must have been crazy.
Yet she was warmly loved and admired by just about everyone I knew. Linda was an art-education major, which meant she student-taught in the morning and spent long evening hours (sometimes until 3 a.m.)in the arts buildings, coming home splattered in pottery mud and kiln dust. And she faithfully got up early to spend time with Jesus and ask Him if she could fast for Him that day.
I think that some of the most powerful things we do overflow from an open, trusting relationship with God. I've forgotten a lot of people, but the impact Linda made on my life has been substancial. --Helen Badger