I hesitated to write this post, as I always fear bringing too much attention to myself on this site. At the same time, I am in one of those moments in my spiritual journey where I just know God is up to something – one of those times that can become a marker moment. I’ve not had many of these moments in the past, but each time has been characterized by several things:
- Seldom has any event precipitated the spiritual moment. God in His sovereignty simply ordained the time and the process for me at that moment. It has often seemed to occur unexpectedly and surprisingly.
- I am forced to pray what I’ve often encouraged others to pray: “Lord, I sense You’re in the process of doing something in my life. Do whatever You must to get me there.” That can be a frightening prayer, but anything less than that prayer makes my teaching hypocritical. It’s an expression of confidence in the Lord’s love.
- My sin—from the smallest to the biggest—has become ever more apparent . . . but so has His forgiveness. It’s agonizing, actually. I more deeply appreciate God’s forgiveness, but I also see myself in all my spiritual nakedness through the years.
- Prayer has been more powerful, with a much stronger focus on God and His glory than on me and my needs. Sometimes, I’ve simply lain on the floor and praised God for who He is and what He’s done. Those times are powerfully different from other prayer times.
- Bible study has been uniquely fresh—almost like when I became a believer and read the Word for the first time. I wake up in the morning wanting to hear from God, and I go to bed at night wondering what He will teach me the next day.
- My burden over lost people—most often, over particular lost people—has been so great that it keeps me awake at night. And, I know why that is: God has given us the unique privilege of interceding for others (e.g., Rom 10:1), and sleeplessness is for me a call to prayer. Uninterrupted and unhindered in the night, I pray for folks to get saved.
- Fasting has become the norm, not because I want to carry out the discipline but because I want God more than I want food. I don’t even “plan” the fasting times during these spiritual moments. They just happen because my delight in God—and my desire to know Him more—overwhelm my desire for food.
- Laying my life on the altar again, fully surrendering my dreams and visions for the future, is not only right, but also exciting. I don’t know what God will want from me, but I do know that His will is always perfect. Trusting Him afresh with the unknown is sweet indeed.
What about you? What are some markers for your spiritual moments?
Dr. Lawless thanks for sharing how God works in your life. It has given me insight into how God works in another believer and caused me to evaluate my self. I don’t expect to have the exact same type of response to God working in me but this post has shone me that I should pray and seek my Lord’s moving in me and do my best to pray for that as you have shared here and be ready to follow His leading in my life. Also I will wait with a willingness to do what God is directing me to do. Your example of prayers is quite helpful. Thanks again.
Dr. Lawless, thank you so much for your post. As I read your post (especially #2) a prayer I have prayed for the last twenty-plus years of ministry is: “Lord, whatever you want, I want!” Every area of my life in my almost 50 years of ministry has been impacted by that prayer. Now, I must tell you, I have failed miserably so much of the time. But God has been so faithful to me to invade my life with His presence constantly to remind me this is what HE desires. From my days of my D.Min. under your leadership and supervision at SBTS, I thank God for your spiritual influence in my life. Thank you for your constant example of your life to all is us in ministry. And, may our prayer continue to remain daily, “Lord, whatever You want, I want!”
Dr. Lawless, I can only say, “Amen and amen.” I sense the same kinds of passion as I wait on the LORD. After 42 years of praying for my father-in-law to come to faith, he did so on his death bed 3 months before entering Glory! I am seeing God working in the different ministries at my church whether through the Food Pantry, Outreach Sports Program, morning and evening services, people are coming, wanting to get right with God, get baptized, and join the family. I’m telling our leadership and the “prayer warriors” to “hold on, we’re going to see and hear some amazing things this year.” God’s Comforter is moving among His people.