During these last two weeks I have been hearing God clearly speaking to me about Obedience, Trust, Power, and Influence. These four words separated have limited impact, but if you consider taking them in the order presented, and understanding that one could lead to the next, well then, you have yourself a puzzle.
Every person wants to be successful. To some success is money or fame. To others, power to make decisions and impact lives. Still others, like me what to help people experience the transforming power of God in their lives-which is more of an influence thing. In order to influence people to understand that this experience is readily available to all that who will believe and receive it in their minds and hearts (along with some work), I would have to first demonstrate that Power in my own life.
This causes me to ask some harder questions about what is evidence of power in a person's life?
Is it the fruits of the spirit? Is it an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your thoughts, actions, and daily decisions? Is it that there is a significant change in your life, a change of habit, a conversation style, or in the company that you keep. Maybe it is a focus that you've never had before. What if it's the promise that you keep, to be diligent in the thing that God has assigned you to until your season is completed? Working through spaces and places that you are ill prepared for but somehow God's favor on you- doesn't embarrass you, though you may deserve it.
You trust that He will meet you where you are. You trust that he is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him, not just what He can do for you. You show a hunger and unquenchable thirst for the one that wakes you in the morning with a whisper. For the one who squeezes your heart and keeps you tender in moments when attempt to harden your response. His voice is familiar and loving, His arms and comfort, undeniable.
Hearing is just the registering of sound. Listening is hearing and understanding; the proof that you understand is demonstrated with your action. The degree to which you act is based on the level of your faith. How will you respond when he calls? In obedience or disobedience?