In my spiritual life I seem to go through phases. Sometimes I focus on my own development, learning more about Jesus or trying to get a better understanding of God's purpose for me. Other times I am putting what I've learned into practice in my daily life. And still other times, I feel like I must accomplish something for God; or I must share whatever revelations I have received.
That's probably normal. Like in Ecclesiastes 3: to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. So is the journey God has charted for each of us. And as a result, we are born again and again in different ways. And for different purposes. That is why I am always listening for God's direction, always watching for forks in the road.
But it isn't easy. I can be determined and self-assured, blazing the trail that makes most sense to me. Without asking for the guidance of God. Who knows how far I have gone off course over the years. I shudder to think about it.
I bet a lot of people go off course, some maybe for decades of their lives, not realizing that they have missed the cues and sign posts from God. But even worse, many of us have missed opportunities to be born again, to become more of the creation that God had in mind. I know I have.
Jesus tells Nicodemus that "the Spirit gives birth to spirit." How wonderful is that?! The Holy Spirit gives birth to spirit within you and me. The God of the universe gives birth to spirit inside my pathetic, human soul. Perhaps that's why Mary gave birth to Jesus in a lowly, dirty stable. God wanted us to understand that His divine Spirit could be born within even the most broken, imperfect humans. If we give it room.
And while we Christians mostly focus on our initial experience of being born again, I think there are many times in life when we can experience spiritual rebirth. New aspects of our souls can blossom – compassion, selflessness, wisdom, love, nurturing, courage. We can enter new phases of our spiritual life. We can take new actions and incorporate new practices into our lives.
There really is much to learn and many ways for our spirit to grow and expand. Just think about the positive change that can occur in your life through continuous rebirth, allowing the Spirit to affect you, enhance you, inspire you. Simply let God determine the season and time for each purpose He has planned for your life.
Ask in prayer. Listen through meditation or whatever quieting practice you prefer. Let go of apprehension and doubt. And remember, rebirth can require a leap of faith, so be prepared.
Jesus said that we won't always know from where Spirit comes or where it will lead us (at least that's my interpretation). It may lead us somewhere in our physical life, or somewhere in our spiritual life. Hopefully both.
That's probably normal. Like in Ecclesiastes 3: to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. So is the journey God has charted for each of us. And as a result, we are born again and again in different ways. And for different purposes. That is why I am always listening for God's direction, always watching for forks in the road.
But it isn't easy. I can be determined and self-assured, blazing the trail that makes most sense to me. Without asking for the guidance of God. Who knows how far I have gone off course over the years. I shudder to think about it.
I bet a lot of people go off course, some maybe for decades of their lives, not realizing that they have missed the cues and sign posts from God. But even worse, many of us have missed opportunities to be born again, to become more of the creation that God had in mind. I know I have.
Jesus tells Nicodemus that "the Spirit gives birth to spirit." How wonderful is that?! The Holy Spirit gives birth to spirit within you and me. The God of the universe gives birth to spirit inside my pathetic, human soul. Perhaps that's why Mary gave birth to Jesus in a lowly, dirty stable. God wanted us to understand that His divine Spirit could be born within even the most broken, imperfect humans. If we give it room.
And while we Christians mostly focus on our initial experience of being born again, I think there are many times in life when we can experience spiritual rebirth. New aspects of our souls can blossom – compassion, selflessness, wisdom, love, nurturing, courage. We can enter new phases of our spiritual life. We can take new actions and incorporate new practices into our lives.
There really is much to learn and many ways for our spirit to grow and expand. Just think about the positive change that can occur in your life through continuous rebirth, allowing the Spirit to affect you, enhance you, inspire you. Simply let God determine the season and time for each purpose He has planned for your life.
Ask in prayer. Listen through meditation or whatever quieting practice you prefer. Let go of apprehension and doubt. And remember, rebirth can require a leap of faith, so be prepared.
Jesus said that we won't always know from where Spirit comes or where it will lead us (at least that's my interpretation). It may lead us somewhere in our physical life, or somewhere in our spiritual life. Hopefully both.
