Ever since we have set our hearts on seeking God together, it seems that I have been supernaturally aided in my searching.
1. God has helped me to have the heart to seek Him. I am learning that as we respond to God’s invitation, the Holy Spirit gives us greater thirst. Yesterday, for example, I had plenty to do. But I felt so hungry spiritually that I was almost compelled to spend more than double my normal devotional time in seeking God. I praised God, then prayed for things I thought of. When I was finished, God laid more things on my heart for intercession. I was experiencing the levels of prayer I had just read about in David Yonggi Cho’s book.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. Jn 6:44 NIV
2. I keep running into more resources to encourage my search and help me to encourage others. Now, if I am thinking about something and run onto an article now and then, I can easily credit it to coincidence or just mental pre-occupation. But I have worked on sermons for many years and know about how often one normally runs into things that are relevant without doing specific research. In the last three weeks, such a high percentage of articles, devotionals, books I’m reading, DVD’s and music I’ve played have been directly helpful that it has amazed me. To give one example–last night, I picked up a worship video that has been on my desk for months. I thought it might be relevant to the sermon. I discovered quickly that it was more relevant to last week’s sermon so I could have stopped watching and saved time. But I kept watching for the personal inspiration just when I needed it. It was awesome–a true worship generator. I don’t think it added material for the message this week, but it sure helped fill the preacher’s heart.
And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Ch 28:9 NIV
Stay tuned, I have a feeling this adventure is only begun!