We all believe that we can access the presence of God anywhere and at anytime, and in part, that’s true, but it’s in the process of “becoming” we discover intimacy with Christ and that can be found no other way.
Christ is humble, He is meek, He is lowly. He is unlike the kings of the Earth. If we search for Him and pursue Him, He will not be found in “ivory towers” nor in the centers of power that control our social systems. He’s not interested in control or influence – He already has all the power. He’s only interested in people – individuals. He’s interested in all people but He can be found “hanging out” and at work with people who have “character” like His own. They are the humble and lowly.
While Christ walked the Earth, the only way to enjoy His ‘presence’ was to go to where He was. Today, if we want to experience His manifest presence, we will find it where He spiritually resides – among the humble.
The wilderness empowers us to live out of the provision of the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom, there are no shortages. Scripture says that God has stored up for us all that we need for our ministry and life. Think of it as a room in which there is every ability, talent, favor, and provision required for us to fulfill our destiny. Moses walked closely with God and his only request before he undertook his journey in the wilderness was that God would come with him. He understood something about the presence of God which could easily be missed.
The presence of God is the key to the room filled with our provision. It’s not only provision – it is “life” in every aspect of the word. Our purpose, calling, and destiny resides in Him. We can NOT get it from Him. It resides within Him. We must take Him and then in Him resides our life. They are inseparable. This seems like a subtle difference but it becomes huge when we are in need in the wilderness. That is what the wilderness is – a place of need and the only provision available is IN God. When we take Christ, we take all of Him. We have no choice but to join Him among the broken, empty, and needy because that’s where He can be found. It’s not ugly or distasteful; it is joyful, peaceful, and beautiful. When we meet Christ in His lowliness, we are welcomed with great enthusiasm because we have been invited to His personal residence and only His closest friends are invited there.
© Copyright 2014-15, Paul K. Weigel – All rights reserved.
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