Fervor is not a word you hear much in recent days. Intense and passionate feelings make for quite the definition. How many of us really have fervor working for us in our lives.
“For I tell you the truth, throughout history, there has never been a man who surpasses John the Baptizer. Yet the least of those who now experience heaven’s kingdom realm will become even greater than he. From the moment John stepped onto the scene until now, the realm of heaven’s kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken hold of its power.” – Matthew 11:11, The Passions Translation.
Passionate people have taken hold of its power! Heaven’s power is very real. It is there for us to use to whom would believe. God has given his children permission and authority to use it. The name of Jesus and his blood are powerful. We need to learn who we are and understand what we have been given.
As I look back through my years remembering many of my stories, I have been learning and practicing facets of this for years. I don’t want to ever stop learning. It is exciting to know there is always someplace deeper God is willing to take you. My desire is to keep moving forward into all God has. The journey has its share of hardship but the rewards are extraordinary.
God is looking, searching for people who will trust him, who will surrender to his will and obey his voice. God needs dads, moms, children, teenagers, business people, teachers, administrators, CEO’s, entrepreneurs, volunteers, missionaries, actors and actresses, directors, authors, you name a category, God needs his children in those places. People who will be passionate for him, his word, trusting, and willing to obey all while using the gifts he has given us in the place he has placed us.
What does it look like you ask? It appears in many different ways. It will never be a formula for God is not boring but very creative. You may just need to bring a smile to someone or just let someone know that Jesus loves them. Maybe pray for someone. It could be that you are to meet a tangible need as God directs you. The list is endless.
I recently heard of a young adult who was chasing after God. She was practicing hearing God’s voice. As she was out driving, she heard the Lord give her some directions. She took several different turns and found herself in the parking lot of a small grocery store. As she sat there, her thoughts wondered as to why she was there. She asked the Holy Spirit what to do. Within her, she heard, “Go inside. You will see a column by a checkout register. Do a handstand there.” Well, I can only imagine you are laughing saying “yeah, right, not me!” Well, she did too. Her mind raced – could this be God? Am I hearing correctly? Say it again God so I know it is you! There was silence. This brave girl decided to trust that it was God. Worse case scenario meant she would look quite foolish, she pondered.
She entered the store. Found the location as the Holy Spirit had described. Took a deep breath and did a handstand. Then stood up. There was a man at that register who looked stunned. He asked her why she did that. Her response went like this, “You may think I am crazy, but God told me to drive over here and asked me to do this.” Now, he looked shocked. He finished his transaction and asked to speak to her.
He said, “I am an atheist. I had literally just said, God if you are real, have someone do a handstand right in front of me, right now.” She was able to share her relationship with God. She left so excited that she had indeed obeyed for she had no idea she would be answering someone’s request.
Stories like these excite me. I am encouraged for they scream of God’s love. Only God could have orchestrated the timing of such an event. Our lives are not just about us. We are here for others. God desires us to just be available, willing to be obedient.
God will leave the 99 for the 1 that is lost. This is where God uses us. He wants our help to go after the 1 he is watching and listening to. Maybe they receive truth and love, maybe they reject it, but at least they will have had the chance to hear about Christ or experience his love.
You never know what part you will be. Will you be planting a seed of hope? Are you the water to cause a reaction of growth? Could it be that you have the privilege of seeing the fruit of someone coming into the family of God? I don’t believe we are responsible for it all. I believe in our obedience to the Father, we will do exactly what is required at that moment. God’s love and attention to details can handle the bigger picture.
Look within and see what you are passionate about. If you are lacking fervor, ask the Lord to ignite it within you. Only God can reveal to you the why or help you see people through his eyes.
I had an experience 24 years ago that changed the way I see people. It literally changed to the way I viewed those who my flesh desired to judge or criticize. After that revelation, I found I had so much for compassion for people. Yes, sometimes my flesh wants to go there in certain circumstances, but I am reminded of God’s love and what he showed me all those years ago. This alone redirects my focus back to Christ and it helps me walk in his love in the moment.
So, I encourage you to seek God, ask for fervor, practice obedience and see how God desires to use you to grow his kingdom right where you are.
