Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. Proverbs 28:5 NIV

One youth mission trip, we went to the Navajo Nation that spreads across the  New Mexico and Arizona border. This is a beautiful part of our country capturing some of our American desert icons such as the Grand Canyon and the Twin Mittens. 

As I was driving the group of youth in one of our vans, I looked over the desert plane to my right and watched a “Dust Devil”. This is a very small tornado that is swirling sand. I told everyone to look at it. No one saw it. It was completely clear to me, although it was some distance away.

I pointed out some landmarks to identify its location. Still, no one could see it. Why was I the only one who could see it? I had special sunglasses on that removed the haze from the sunshine. I shared my glasses with others and they watched the unique weather phenomenon.

Jesus said the unrighteous can not see the movement of the Spirit of God, nor do they understand it. What is so clear to many believers concerning life issues, remains clouded for others. Jesus told the religious rulers, the Pharisees, that they would remain blind in their understanding, because they thought they could see clearly without God’s help. Do you know anyone like this? Have you tried to make sense of life without God’s perspective?

Characteristics needed to perceive God’s movement.

  • Ye must be born again. Those who are born of the Spirit can see and understand how the Spirit is moving.
    • Jesus made it plain that flesh will understand flesh, but one born again in the Spirit will understand spiritual things,
  • You have been given spiritual ears to hear.
    • Jesus said, “let him who has ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying.
  • You have enlightened eyes
    • Paul prayed that the Ephesians that the eyes of their heart may be enlightened that they may “know…” Ephesians 1:18-20
  • Love and hunger for God’s word
    • John penned, in I John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, [e]and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
    • All scripture is inspired and given to instruct us in life and godliness
  • Revelation of the cross of Christ
    • The preaching of the cross is foolishness to the world, but reveals the wisdom of God
  • Under the influence of the Holy Spirit
    • Ephesians 5:15-18 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,
    • We do not know how to pray on our own, but the Spirit leads us in our prayers
    • The Spirit will lead and guide you into all truth
  • The Holy Spirit has distributed different gifts that we each use.
    • Spiritual gifts color our awareness of needs and motivates us to use these gifts to meet those needs.
      • Servers supernaturally see how their serving can make  a difference
      • Givers are spiritually enabled to acquire wealth to fund God’s work. They “see” how their gift creates movement
  • We have been invited to ask for revelation
    • If any lacks wisdom, let him ask God in faith and without doubting. James 1:5
  • We have a sensitivity to hear God speak to us by Holy Spirit in a variety of ways
    • Prayer and through His word
    • In dreams and visions
    • Other members of the body of Christ and a prophetic word
    • Tongues and interpretation
    • In worship such as Isaiah and the Apostle John experienced

God is speaking clearly about current issues of our day. His way is always right. Those who are following in His footsteps will Do justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly. Humility is the position of a broken and contrite heart before God. Only this brokenness provides the purity of heart so that we may “see” God and what He is doing.

Blessings Love y’all