Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 ESV
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:14-16 ESV
In the very early days of our life in ministry, we were in need of a car. There was a car salesman in our church. We knew he was having some financial struggles, so we made him our first stop. He showed us a very nice sedan which appeared to match our needs. It was, however, black and gray. I don’t like black or gray cars, but I didn’t want to be carnal about it, so I didn’t comment. He gave us a quote, and we told him we would pray about it. (We wanted to appear as spiritual as possible.)
On the way home, we both admitted that there was something about the vehicle that just didn’t seem right. We both had what we have come to call “a check” in our spirit. I sometimes call it an “ick.” It’s a clear internal sign that you’re not at peace with the issue at hand.
With that in mind, we stopped at another car agency. The salesman was a Christian, and very helpful. He showed us the same model vehicle in a really nice green. We both liked it, but now we were conflicted. Should we go with the one we like and have a peace in our heart about it, or should we buy the one we don’t like and have an icky feeling about it?
We labored over this decision. We were new pastors, and we wanted to bless our parishioner. Aren’t we supposed to love our brother, even if it means driving an ugly car? We bought the ugly car, and it was a horror story. The car would stall every time we tried to accelerate while turning left. Picture making a left turn across traffic and having to hope for the best as you coast across.
After multiple trips to the repair shop, repeated arguments with the service department, and several complaints to the Better Business Bureau, we finally settled for a completely new fuel injection system. It was still a lemon, no doubt about it, but at least it no longer left us in the lurch in the middle of traffic.
After this experience we made some adjustments in how we make decisions. We made two commitments. First, if either one of us has a “check” about something, we must tell the other, no quiet misgivings. Second, we pledged that if at all possible, we would not make any major decision until we both had peace about it. That fail-safe mechanism has saved us lots of grief.
That little “ick” on the inside is what Paul referred to as the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit. I believe it is often the difference between feast and famine, health and sickness, and even life and death. It is well worth the effort to keep a clean heart by being quick to repent. It’s also important to stay prayed up and to feed daily on the Word of God. Don’t leave home without it.
Somebody Said: “Many times we ignore the inward witness. We want something out in the sense realm. We seek the sensational and miss the supernatural.” Kenneth E. Hagin
Scripture Reading: Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. Acts 17:16 ESV
Here’s the Point: If Jesus is your Lord and you’ve committed your life to Him, then the Holy Spirit lives in you. He knows all things and will communicate to you by simply giving an impression to your own reborn spirit. This is the most common way we receive His guidance. If you believe that God is in you, then take steps to make yourself more aware of what’s going on in there. God has given you the Spirit as your advantage: Pay attention!
Pastor Virgil
Interested in learning to follow the flow of the Spirit in your services? Check out the third edition of “Is There and Interpreter in the House?” Now available in Kindle
pastorvirgil.com 