What steps can we take to be open to God's Spirit today? The Setting: God’s Spirit Moving Beyond Expectations - Numbers 11:26: “Two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad, had remained in the camp, yet the Spirit rested on them; they were among the elders, but they had not gone out to the tent. They prophesied in the camp.” - The Spirit did not wait for perfect geography or flawless ceremony; He rested on willing, available servants right where they were. Step 1: Remain Available in Ordinary Places - Eldad and Medad “remained in the camp.” They were not on the mountaintop, yet God met them. - Everyday availability keeps the door open. Stay teachable in the kitchen, office, classroom, or tractor. - Colossians 3:23–24 encourages doing all “as unto the Lord,” inviting His presence into routine moments. Step 2: Cultivate a Listening Heart - The men were already counted among the elders—people who listened for God’s voice (cf. Exodus 18:19). - 1 Samuel 3:10—“Speak, for Your servant is listening”—models posture over performance. - Practical helps: • Begin each day with Scripture before screens. • Keep a notebook handy to jot promptings and passages. • Pause during tasks to whisper, “Lord, what are You saying right now?” Step 3: Submit to God-Ordained Leadership and Community - Although they stayed in the camp, Eldad and Medad were still part of the seventy Moses had gathered (Numbers 11:16–17). - Hebrews 13:17 calls us to honor spiritual leaders so that ministry is “a joy and not a burden.” - Engage in a local church: be present, accountable, and supportive. The Spirit loves unified bodies (Acts 2:1–4). Step 4: Walk in Humility and Purity - God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility keeps our hearts soft. - Psalm 24:3–4—clean hands and a pure heart ascend the hill of the Lord. Repent quickly; forgive freely. - Regular confession and honest friendships guard against hidden sin that muffles His voice. Step 5: Welcome the Spirit’s Sovereign Freedom - Joshua wanted Moses to stop the unexpected prophecy (Numbers 11:28–29). Moses replied, “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets!” - John 3:8—“The wind blows where it wishes.” The Spirit is not boxed by our preferences. - Pray, “Have Your way,” even when His movement stretches comfort zones. Step 6: Guard Against Quenching His Work - 1 Thessalonians 5:19: “Do not quench the Spirit.” - Common extinguishers: cynicism, unresolved conflict, habitual sin, and neglect of Scripture. - Fan the flame (2 Timothy 1:6) by: • Regular worship and thanksgiving • Prompt obedience to small nudges • Fellowship with Spirit-filled believers Putting It All Together Remaining available, listening intentionally, honoring community, walking humbly, welcoming divine surprises, and guarding against quenched fires position us—right where we are—for the same Spirit who rested on Eldad and Medad to rest on us today. |
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