One of the most interesting pieces I viewed today has been an old documentary on a REVIVAL in which someone, (who was somewhat skeptical about the whole thing), went "to see for himself" what was going on. He was so moved by the whole experience, he asked permission to make a short film on it.
One of the fascinating things in that film was an interview with a medical doctor attending the revival. First and foremost the doctor interviewed people before and after attending the revival services. He noted:
Miraculous changes had taken place!
Many who came depressed, left joyful. Those arriving with broken marriages, left restored and in love again! Sick people, left healed. People who were miserable left happy and hopeful! Some, who arrived without a purpose, left called of God. Those bound in various addictions were set free! The list goes on and on.
Secondly, he observed many different Manifestations of The Holy Spirit taking place. These are the effects a human being experiences when they come into the presence of The Living God.
Have you ever heard that song by Mercy Me, "I Can Only Imagine?"
The chorus says this:
"Surrounded by Your Glory,
what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus?
or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in your presence?
or to my knees will I fall?
Will sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine."
You know... you don't have to wait to get to Heaven to experience God's presence. And apparently, the people attending this revival found that out for themselves. How did they respond to God's Glory?
Some danced and twirled!
Some lifted their hands towards heaven.
Some whispered prayers for hours on end.
Some laid prostrate on the floor and said nothing.
Some fell to the floor, dreamed dreams and saw visions.
Some laughed uncontrollably with joy.
Some wept... even sobbed.
Some repented and gave their lives to God.
Some shook as if electricity were going through them.
Some shouted praises at the top of their lungs.
Some rolled on the floor.
Some seemed drunk from God's love.
Some spoke in languages they didn't know.
Did you know that none of this is new? It's been seen and experienced time and time again, over the centuries at various revivals and spiritual awakenings all the way back to Bible days. But this is what struck me. The doctor said...
I don't really care what manifestations take place.
That's just how they react to the presence of God!
I want to know,
"Are they changed after being in His presence?"
The answer is YES!
So often, people focus on the wrong things. They get so caught up in the manifestations that they forget to look at the before and after. People are changed. People are healed. People are on fire for God! People repent and turn from their wicked ways. People are joyful. People find peace. After meeting with God, they are never the same again!
This is important... because if you are going to be used by God, you are going to experience some of these things, and so are those that you are ministering to. You can't be afraid of them. And you can't be ashamed of them. So often, people worry about what they'll look like. That's PRIDE! And you just have to get over it.
You know, the year I turned 50, I ran a half marathon for the very first time. My daughter who was 25 ran it with me. I crossed the finish line about ten or fifteen minutes after her. If I had been concerned with how I'd look at the finish line, I'd never have run that race or accomplished such a great feat. Why? Because I was exhausted, soaked with sweat, and ready to puke. I had pushed myself to the ultimate max and my body was feeling it! The point is... Who cares? I did it! I finished the race! What an accomplishment!
In the same way, who cares what you look like in the presence of God! You get to experience His presence, without having to go to Heaven to do it. Not to mention, you'll leave far better than how you came, You'll be touched or spoken to by God,Himself -- healed perhaps? envisioned? delivered? -- It will be a life changing experience for the better!
I'm making a big thing of this, because unfortunately PRIDE is a huge obstacle. Nobody wants to look like a fool -- especially me! But I told God a long time ago, He was the exception to that rule. I'd look like a fool for Him, anytime. I mean that with all my heart! But that doesn't mean it's easy.
Where do you stand you that? If you care too much about what people think, that could get in the way of how God uses you. You must tackle this hurdle! So... talk it out with Him. Wrestle with Him, if you must. He can help you overcome. Don't let PRIDE get in the way of your destiny!
Til tomorrow,
Gail
