Moment or Movement?

Our church appears to have been touched by the presence of God at last week's First Wednesday service. We thank God for speaking, for moving, and for affecting us during that moment in time. But what now? What happens next?

First, let me address what usually happens -- nothing. We go back to our routines, habits, and typical patterns. We shared a great moment together but we then move back to life as we know it. But we must remember that whenever God uniquely encounters His people (as we believe He did last week), He does so for more than our momentary pleasure; He wants to move and accelerate His people to His purposes for them. In other words, God "moments" in our lives should lead to God "movements". The overall direction and trajectory of our lives and our church should be somehow permanently altered. A new normal should be defined, a new pattern should emerge, and new habits should form.

To encourage us toward a "movement" of God and not just a "moment" with God, I believe God has ONE simple step:  immediate obedience. However God spoke to you (conviction, challenge, comfort, awakening, awareness) last Wednesday, act on it now! Delayed obedience is sin --

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
James 4:17 {NIV}

So God revealed something "good" for you to do, you must do it and you must do it now while it is clear in your mind and while there is a sense of God-given confidence in your heart.  If you wait, you will become less clear and less sure of your next step.
Here are a few suggestions to encourage your immediate obedience and fuel what I hope is a movement and not just a moment in the life of our church body:

1-Write down how God touched you and what you sensed Him saying.  Then tell a friend and/or your small group and ask for accountability -- tell someone to ask you if you have "acted" on what God revealed within 10 days.

2-Pray for boldness. Your struggle is not lack of knowledge of God's will, but fear. God's perfect love casts out fear and God's Holy Spirit gives you courage, not timidity.  Know His love for you and be bold in your obedience to Him ... your obedience is how you tell God you love Him!

3-Remember the goal is obedience, not a certain result. Most of us fear what our obedience will cause or lack faith that our obedience will matter.  Our obedience matters and God will use all obedience for His purpose ... so give God your obedience -- today!

Praying we "move" together with God!

Matt