As I was reading, these words spoke profoundly to me...
If you're trying to be a "better" Christian than others, you are going to be disappointed. Often those who have a deep and intimate relationship with God are the last people you would think would have that kind of relationship.
George Whitfield was the "spark" that ignited the Great Awakening in America in the 18th century. When he was preaching, back in the hotel room there was an elderly crippled man who traveled with him and who was praying for him. Noone knows his name nor is he ever mentioned in the history books...and the hundreds of thousands of people who were touched with the supernatural power of God through George weren't even aware of him. So if you're looking for someone who was responsible for the Great Awakening, other than God, don't look so much to George Whitfield - look to the little man who prayed.
Acknowledging our powerlessness and weakness and refusing to wear a nice public mask of self-assurance is difficult to admit and maintain. Pride won't let us accept being inadequate. But, God can make us understand this little by little.
Whatever our efforts might be, know that the deeper life is a "God Calling". It is a life to which one cannot, in the flesh, aspire. It's a calling to go deeper, to love more, to know more of Him. You can't hustle it up or "make it happen". When God calls you to himself in a deeper way, you must respond. It is not necessarily something that a person chooses. Rather it is something that chooses a person.
Listen to the Psalmist: As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night (Ps. 42:1-3).
Hearing this call, you'll find yourself waking up at four in the morning...not because of guilt, too much coffee or part of the "growing older syndrome". ...Just a God given desire to spend time with Him in prayer and meditation...to know Him more deeply...precious times.
You've probably heard the Eastern proverb to the effect that when a student is ready, a teacher will appear. That has its equivalent with God. When it is time, the soul gets stirred, the mind is drawn, the heart is pulled to Him. It is a call for life or sometimes for a season, but it is real. And when it happens, you'll know it.
Father, guide us into Your depths, teach us, feed us, satisfy us as only You can....
