08-10-24-DAILY READING-ENG.

EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT

                                   PROOF OF GOD AT WORK

But if you find yourself experiencing a desire to seek God, we have great news for you: God is already at work in you. The fact that you're searching for Him is an indication that God is pursuing you and drawing you into a relationship with Him that's real and personal. Apart from His active work in your life, you would never have the desire to seek Him. For as we've seen, because of sin, “There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God” (Romans 3:11). Theologians use the term prevenient grace to describe God's work of drawing us to Himself.

Before we in our fallen state can seek God, He must first create the desire within us for spiritual realities. There must be a work of enlightenment done within us before we're aware of our need for salvation. That's why we believe no one can go to church or open God's Word “by accident.” God is drawing them, whether or not they realize it. If you find yourself wanting to consider spiritual truth, it's not because of some funny feeling, but because God Himself draws you. King David showed us something about this when he cried out to God, “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8, NASB). When we reach out to cling to Him, it's God who is drawing us, and it's God who holds us there.

There's no contradiction in this divine upholding and human following. For our part, there must be a response to God's drawing power if we're to experience a relationship with Him. It's like a man trying to draw a woman's affection; the relationship will not blossom unless the woman responds. And when you do respond to God's leading, He will give you the ability to answer the call. As James told us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:8). Listen carefully: Recognizing God is not the same as coming to Him. Hearing God in your heart is not the same as answering. Working for the kingdom of God does not mean living in the kingdom of God. Christianity is not believing the truths of the Bible; it's acting upon them and allowing God control of your life.

You must respond to God and make the choice to interact personally with Him. Have you gone beyond accepting the fact that there's a God? Have you moved beyond accepting Christ as God's Son and made Him Lord of your life? If you believe there's a God, that He sent His Son to die for you, that God raised Jesus from the dead after three days, and that Christ is coming back for His disciples—that's great. But Satan also believes all that! What makes your life any different from Satan's? To be different, you must come to Christ, pursue Him, give your life to Him, and keep growing in your relationship with Him—-for He's a Person to be loved, not an idea to be accepted.