What makes one refuse the supernatural presence of God at work? We run quickly to so many places void of the power and presence of God.

 

Please tell me why?

 

I was reminded in prayer this morning of this scripture:

 

He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. Matthew 22:3

 

While it is likely referring to the heavenly banquet, it appears we might have the same problem here on earth when it comes to purpose and calling.

 

We often choose to refuse God’s invitations.

 

We might know He is at work in a place, but things of the world call us, and we come with no question. The bridegroom calls, and we refuse, or perhaps just put Him off again and again.

 

Familiar places and spaces gain our attention even when there is absolutely no sign of the presence of God.

 

Kind of crazy, huh?

 

There must be some kind of dark power behind that which is “familiar.” The draw is incredible. Like a moving escalator that simply brings us slowly back to the same ole kind of place, we were trying to pray our way out of.

 

Egypt has a loud voice.

 

Perhaps we don’t really want what we asked for? Too much is required of us if we give our “yes” to God. It was just more than we bargained for. In all reality, our “yes” had strings attached.

 

Or perhaps it was never about Him to begin with and all about us?

 

Finding “our” place. “Our” space. “Our” tribe. “Our” gifts.

 

Let me be clear. You best go with Jesus even if none of those things exist. Follow the leader, friends, and the leader ain’t us.

 

He knows exactly what’s in you, and we cannot go wrong when we are obedient.

 

Some seasons will bring isolation as you’re in a preparation phase. A deep anguish and stripping of all that was not of God. It is for your good and will last until you’ve surrendered the last drop of pride, making this calling about anything other than Christ and His Kingdom.

 

John the Baptist came out of the wilderness alone. Prepared the way of the LORD. Fulfilled His calling. Then was beheaded for it.

 

I think our “In it to win it” mentality doesn’t quite understand what that means on Heaven’s terms.

 

Some of us need our own “be-heading” because Jesus, the HEAD, hasn’t been quite given charge over our lives yet.

We come into crises then we seek earnestly the answer from God. Until then, we refuse His invitations.

 

Henry Blackaby is known for this phrase, “Find where God is at work and join Him there.”

 

What keeps us from the desire to be in God’s presence? To see Him at work? To explore and grow in His Word and deeds? To be taught by His supernatural life manifesting in our midst?

 

How many invitations have we refused?

We had an opportunity to grow in Jesus, but we just wouldn’t take it.

 

Is it a lack of hunger, the cares of the world have choked out the Word, or is it just too costly?

 

I’m not sure of the answer, but He is.

 

What invitations has He extended to you? Did you accept or decline?

 

I often wonder if the last tear wiped away on Heaven’s side will be the one where I see what could have been if I had answered all of His invitations.

 

Pure speculation, of course, but nonetheless worthy of pondering.

 

Let me repeat the line from Henry Blackaby, “Find where God is at work, and join Him there.”

 

While in the waiting hallway, go ”there.”

 

Where is “there” for you and why aren’t you “there?”

 

Whatever the reason, comes a divine revelation that we’ve refused His invitation indeed.

 

How sad for us and how sad for Him.

 

I heard a sermon by Tony Evans this weekend that said something profound…

 

Some of us need a “Re-call” because we’ve not fully answered the first call.

 

Indeed…

 

Today is an invitation for you to not only be an heir with Jesus through the cross sacrifice but also to reign with Him here on earth by advancing the Kingdom.

 

Will you accept the invitation or decline it?