Some things are so big, life changing, and pervasive that it does not come naturally to mention them. Sometimes, however, it's useful to state the obvious so as not to take it for granted. I love my wife. She's pregnant with our first child and it's a boy. I could not be a more content father-to-be. May God prepare me so that I might adequately learn all the lessons he has in store for me during this time.
Car trips are great times to think. Eralda and I sometimes spend up to hours in the car at a time in thought. Then one of us speaks up and we end up having wonderful discussions. On one such trip, I was pondering exactly what it means to have a conversation with God. I've always been somewhat of a skeptic regarding this topic. I've heard people (whom I love and respect and know are being sincere) speak about having a talk with God where he told them what to do. For some reason this gives me the jibblies. If God began speaking to me I would probably need a change of clothes. I've been embarassed in the past to admit that I haven't been blessed by such divine chat; I've felt as though I just wasn't holy or faithful enough.
I'm stepping out on a limb here, so please be gracious. I've never been clearly and unmistakenly spoken to by the Spirit. Granted, there are times when I've had a feeling towards one choice versus another, and there have been times where I've been in the middle of committing a sin and I have felt reminded that what I was doing was bad. Forgive my skepticism, but could this have merely been my conscience? I'm not afraid of attributing things to God, and I have faith that he is active and involved in my life. What I am questioning is just how openly he intervenes. I think that when the Spirit moves you, it does so in a way that is perceptible but untracable. I think that it is faith which ascribes such things to God.
I think now that whenever I hear somebody say they have had a conversation with God, I will say "hallelujah!" because they have faith, and faith is an intimate, noble struggle. Any thoughts?
Car Trips and Conversations
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
3 Comments:
Larissa and I are leaving tonight to drive to Tyler. I'm looking forward to that time together where our only option for interaction is to talk. We've had some great talks in the car. Thanks for your thoughts Bryan.
I think its a great question, Bryan, and I've thought about this myself. I know very spiritual folks who say they have been "spoken" to by God, or God has called their name. I, however, have not up until this point. I do hope for that blessing one day. Also, I just did a search through Acts and the following passages came up that might be of interest:
The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
Acts 8:28-30
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you.
Acts 10:18-20
The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.
Acts 11:11-13 (Peter)
The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
Acts 13:3-5
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:
Acts 15:27-29
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.
Acts 16:5-7
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
Acts 20:22-24
Wow...again I wonder why it wasn't named the Acts of the Holy Spirit?
i can't help but think that these kinds of invasive movings of the Spirit happened quite a bit more often during the "apostolic period". that is my knee jerk reaction to reading such verses. i guess that's also a more conservative CoC view. i still think i would get the jibblies even if God spoke up and said something as mundane as "Dude, go stand behind that car". regardless, God is God and if he wants to speak to me i pray that i'm open enough to the experience.
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