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1160 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3H7
Have you ever been desperate to know God’s will for a specific life decision and desire to do the right thing? Or perhaps you are in a bind about circumstances and don’t know what to do practically? I have been there too. I am not talking about decisions on what to wear, what to eat, or daily affairs that comes with common sense. We’re talking about major decisions in life that will impact your future and/or others around you.
I remember vividly the week I took to pray, ponder and seek God about a gap-year program offered at our church called Master’s Commission in 2003. It was an 8 month discipleship program for those feeling the tug to grow spiritually and serve God.
At the time, I had just graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics. The only way to transition from being an International student to stay in Canada was to obtain a job or remain a student by enrolling in another post-secondary program. I applied for several jobs while applying to study Graphic Design at Emily Carr. These options changed when Pastors Dave and Cheryl shared about this discipleship program at the Sunday service. At that moment I felt the Spirit compelling me towards it, but I reasoned it to be a crazy thought. Why would I give 8 months with no work, and no opportunity to use this to apply to stay in Canada? Would I waste my degree?
The desire and curiosity about this program did not leave me alone, so I proceeded to ask my Life Group leader for wise counsel; I did my due diligence by inquiring about the program; I asked for peace, and divine circumstances. These steps were lining up but what I needed the most was a confirmation from God’s word for me to step out in faith
I remember the evening during a time with God reading 2 Corinthians 8:10-15. This passage says “And in this I give you advise: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but you also must complete the doing of it, that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion of what you have.” Right then, I had sensed the Holy Spirit speak straight into my heart answering my question what my next step should be. He reminded me of the time I had prayed a year before with my desire to grow in Him and give myself to serve. Though this passage refers to giving financially towards Kingdom work, for me meant to obey in giving of my time based on my previous prayer of commitment.
Have you ever played with “water-reveal colouring pads” where you brush water over some colourless drawings, and suddenly the page come to life with colours when wet? The feeling of discovery and amazement when seeing the color unveil is the same I had when the Holy Spirit illuminated His Word, becoming alive, and giving me direction. This moment with the Holy Spirit became a catalyst in my faith and obedience in dedicating 8 months to Jesus. Little did I know that this step would lead me into a great purpose. It was a small but a great reveal – a rhema word.
Whenever you experience the Holy Spirit bring to your attention a portion of scripture with an application to your current situation or need for direction, you have received a rhema word.
The word “scripture” or “Word” in the Bible can be translated either logos or rhema. Logos refers to the Word of God, The Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit which was written by different authors. Rhema refers to scripture that the Holy Spirit uses to speak to us leading us to personally apply in our circumstance. Jesus told His disciples (and us) that the Spirit would teach them all things, guide them into all truth and tell of things to come.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. – John 14:26
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. – John 16:13
In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul teaches that we can pray for the Spirit to flood our heart with spiritual wisdom and insight, so we may grow in the knowledge of God.
I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom[a] and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power – Ephesians 1:16-19 (NLT)
The good news is that the Holy Spirit desires to bring the word alive and speak to you personally directing your steps! The key thing here is to position ourselves by:
Whatever situation you may be in, Jesus gave you His Holy Spirit to be your guide, your teacher, and the One who reveals the things to come. As you surrender to Him, He will help you not miss all the good plans He promised you.
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© 2023 Coastal Church. All rights reserved | Privacy & Security
1160 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3H7