And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. (Ex. 3:3-4)
The above scriptures are where God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush on the backside of the desert, while tending Jethro’s sheep. Notice, God spoke after He saw that Moses turned aside to pay attention. This indicates that He would not have spoken if Moses had not stopped and paid attention. This is the first principle that we must practice to know His will and receive His Glory.
The focus of many church leaders today is on other things, such as programs, demographic studies, social clubs, cafe’s, research studies, entertainment and natural remedies to reach people. Those things might help a little, very little, but unless they are ordained of God they are rubbish.
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
Dad Hagin, based his life and ministry upon Psalm 127:1, and I have followed His example. What if you built the largest church or ministry in the entire world and find it was all in vain because you did not follow God’s will. Many will find this out when they depart this life and stand before the Judge of all the earth. The false doctrine of unbiblical grace has caused many to believe the Lord does not care how or what we do.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)
Many avoid scriptures like this, or explain them away, because they could not really mean what they say, could they. Notice, the name of Jesus was used and many (not a few) wonderful works were done. There are many organizations and so called churches today who use the name of Jesus and He does not agree with what they are doing.
Yes, we do the work of the ministry, but it is the work the Lord has assigned to us. It is not the ministry we have planned and designed ourselves.
If we fail to turn aside and seek Him in prayer, we will never know His perfect will for our lives. Then, all our efforts will be in vain.
Paying The Price
The things of the Spirit are not going to fall on your head like ripe cherries off a tree. It requires laying aside legitimate things of life and crucifying the flesh. It requires hours, days, weeks and months of seeking the Lord in prayer and fasting. I know speaking like this is like cussing to the modern day church, but nevertheless it is true. I have proven it in my own life. It takes discipline and effort, but it is ever so rewarding as the Lord begins to share His secrets and mysteries with you.
My friend made the decision that he would pay any price to really know the Lord and have His perfect will. He went to his church that day and started praying and seeking God. He was asking for God’s perfect will and plan for His life and ministry. The Spirit of God spoke to him and told him to pray a minimum of so many hours a week in other tongues, along with his other praying. I didn’t tell the hours because most would pass out and many probably wouldn’t pay the price anyway. Have I provoked you? I would pray to God I would provoke you even more to seek His face.
Breakthrough Will Come
When I take off from a runway in my airplane I am producing full power to get off the ground. The engine has to produce maximum power to get the airplane flying. Once I reach a designated altitude I am able to pull the throttle back and fly safely.
It works the same way spiritually. It requires time and max effort to press through the veil of the flesh and demonic activity, if you have not been walking in the Spirit. If anyone will stay in prayer, and seek the Lord they will experience breakthrough. Then things will be easier for you and it will not require as much effort as before. You will personally know the Lord on a level you never have before.
My friend did this day after day for many months. It eventually turned into a year. The devil did everything to stop him and even tried too, unsuccessfully, kill his wife with a very rare disease. Breakthrough came and the anointing came upon him mightily! His church grew greatly and they bought the little shopping center they had previously rented a room in. They eventually purchased adjacent land and built other buildings to expand the ministry. The Lord blessed them!
That does not mean my friend never encountered any other struggles. He has had plenty of them since then, but the Lord has brought him and the church through them all. Turn aside and hear His voice.