Pressing in and Rachel
June 22, 2008, 3:20 pm
Kathryn writes…….
As the torrential tropical rain falls outside our Hotel room I am reminded of the persistent cries in the meeting for God to send His rain. One of the speakers on the first night testified to a fine mist cloud settling in his living room while he and some friends watched the meeting on God TV. They were literally wet when they put their hands in it.
I have been impacted by the persistence of these people as they press into His presence each night. Last night His healing power came after two hours of intense calling out for God, declaring our hunger and exhalting Him in worship. I have seen how quickly I can focus on my flesh - get tired, bored or distracted and not persist in pushing into the Spirit. I am stirred to move up the gears in persistence and hunger for Him.
Last night, as we stood to the left of the platform waiting for people to come forward for prayer, I saw a little girl (Rachel, about 7 years old) kneeling by the barrier at the foot of the platform. She was clearly pressing into God as the power of God came on her and she crumpled to the floor. She remained in this place with her head bowed to the ground for a long time. Her mum stood near holding her glasses and told me that Rachel was asking God to heal her eyes. Every now and then she would open her eyes to see if she could see better. She stayed in this place for a long time and then prayed for each of her parents as they fell down under the power of the Spirit. I was moved with compassion for her - how much more did God’s heart break for her? I was deeply impacted by her persistence and hungry faith to meet with God.
Tonight, Sunday, it has been prophesied that God’s glory will come in a far greater measure than in these previous 81 days. I am reading about Moses in Exodus 34, how he was on the mountain in God’s presence for forty days and nights without eating or drinking. When he came down he did not realise that his face was radiant. This seems to be about pushing past our natural desires for earthly things into seeking His presence alone. Any physical manifestation that comes out of that is secondary.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hey Paul
I, too, am similarly stirred. A member of our prayer ministry team gave me a verse yesterday - Jer 29:11-13, the last verse really speaks into this. But what does that look like?!? Bill Johnson says ‘Still, I hesitate to warn of the cost of fully seeking His face (Face to Face With God (2007) p.4)’ that may have something to do with it!
Enough ramblings. Hope you are able to move through the gears and look forward to hearing about it on your return. Safe journey and may God continue to bless your trip.
Paul
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 am
Yes Paul, the cost is an important part of this that is often not mentioned. Last night (Sunday), Todd spoke of the personal cost to him. Very moving and challenging. You may want to listen to it when it is on God.tv website.