With the aid of seismographs we can discover when regions of our planet are in agitation that may cause fissures, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions long before we “feel” them on the surface where we live. We can often make preparations that result in the safety and preservation of life and possessions.
It would be interesting and enlightening to see what we could discover if some sort of seismograph could read the rhythm and vibration of our heart and mind when the Holy Spirit speaks.
What are some of the forces that agitate the soil and foundation of your ordinary life, possibly with the ultimate force of a spiritual earthquake? Are you aware of restlessness or agitation (often in the form of internal questions) when you read scripture? Or when you hear the Word of the Lord proclaimed? Or when you sing a particular hymn? Or when you spend time in quiet prayer? What happens when you receive a written or telephone communication that says something about the church’s invitation to prayerfully consider some new form of service?
Consider what the seismographic reading of your inner being is when you are in the presence of the call of Christ and His Church. Be truthful – do you find ways to get out of the region? Do you hunker down and try to protect as much as you can of your life and possessions?
Jesus called his disciples….he taught them….he challenged them….and when he had to leave them he promised them “Fear not, I am with you.” Perhaps the changed life that is emerging strikes a fearful chord within you…but he is with you as you live that changed life. If you choose to stay behind in life as it has always been, you are ignoring his call to follow. Isn’t it better to be with Him in the midst of whatever fear or anxiety might accompany "change" than to turn away from Him and hang on to your own familiar, seemingly safer life?
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