Image by Elf-Moondance from Pixabay
“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.”
D. L. Moody
Four years ago, we were getting ready to move from the house we lived in for twenty years in Omaha, to a house in Wichita, Kansas. I’m always amazed at how much stuff you can collect while living in the same place for a long time! The first thing we had to do before we moved was to sort through all our possessions and decide what we were keeping and what we wanted to get rid of by selling, donating, or throwing out. This was a very deliberate and time-consuming process, but so worth it. I didn’t want to move what was no longer needed.
The second thing I became aware of was the necessity to be intentional with how I spent my time and who I spent it with. I knew on November 8, 2017, we had to be completely out of our Omaha house. Having a specific deadline caused me to be extremely focused and mindful on how I filled my days. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
There are similarities between the process of preparing for a physical move from one place to another and preparing our hearts and spirits for a move of God. Before there’s a move, there’s a cleansing. What things do you need to let go of to be part of a move of God? Hebrews 12:1a says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” What sins do you need to confess, repent of, and receive God’s forgiveness? Which idols or ways that you are comforting yourself, require removal? Whatever hinders our relationship with God, we need to get rid of.
Secondly, you prepare for a move of God by being intentional with how you spend your time. Choose wisely. Spend your days with the Lord and with godly people who will hold you accountable and call you up higher. Keep short accounts and forgive those who offend you.
We prepare our hearts and spirits for a move of God by eliminating all that holds us back from being who God created us to be and by wisely choosing how to spend our time.
“God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible – what a pity that we plan only the things that we can do by ourselves.”
A.W. Tozer
Relevant Reflection:
What specific steps can you take to better prepare yourself for a move of God?