THERE’S NO DOUBT that God wants to use you. The question is, Will you allow Him?
Will you trust him when he speaks to you? Will you listen to his voice when he instructs you? Will you follow him when he leads you?
Abraham trusted God when he left his father’s house, seeking a city whose builder and architect is God. (Heb. 11:10)
Moses listened to the voice of God when he returned to Egypt to perform all the wonders God gave him (Exod. 4:18; 7:7).
Paul followed God’s leading when he saw a vision of the Man of Macedonia, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:6-10)
To allow God is to engage Him.
WHEN YOU turn your head, your body turns, also. Where the head (Christ) goes, the body (church) follows.
The body looks to the head for direction.
No wonder Paul said: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corin. 11:1).
How do you engage God?
Paul engaged God through His Word.
THE PEOPLE of Israel once told Ezra to read the Laws of Moses to them.
He read it out loud from daybreak till noon, and they listened attentively (Neh. 8:1-3).
When you cultivate the habit of reading the scriptures out loud, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
ANOTHER WAY to engage God through His Word is by speaking it to yourself—meditation (Josh 1:8).
But God does not only want you to say it; he wants you to live it—and as you live it, he prospers you. (James 1:22-25; Josh. 1:8b).
You engage God when you pray the scriptures.
JESUS told his disciples when you pray, say, Our Father (Luke 11:1-4).
The early church achieved two things as they prayed the scriptures directly (Acts 4:24:26). They meditated and reminded God of His Word.
The Voice of the intercessor is louder than that of the accuser
You can engage God through intercession.
FOR WE do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
He helps us intercede according to the Will of God (Rom. 8:26-27). So, praying the heart of God gives you bearing.
When you pray in The Holy Ghost, the fear of praying amiss is removed.
No wonder his voice (as an intercessor) is louder than the one of the accuser.
Praying in the Spirit gives you relevance
You also engage God by breaking bread.
COMMUNION reminds us of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Corin. 11:23-26).
So, anytime we break bread and share the cup, we acknowledge his work of redemption.
Bringing it Together
The effectiveness and efficiency of any believer hinge on the ability to engage God.
Be careful not to crowd out the important while you pursue the urgent.
Have a great week!