“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army… And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:9-10,14
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:1-2,4
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
There is nothing like the blow of a dolphin, the hearty dry exhale of the glistening, graceful mammal arcing up for air. Quiet though the morning with an offshore breeze, the sound captivates my senses intent on spying out every bit of movement in the sea, immediately catching my breath and delighting the soul. Lunge the paddle, glide to where it swims. Follow, watch for the shadow, the circle of air. Listen, follow.
And so with our Lord. When spiritual senses are attuned to observe His movements and hear His breath, we know when He is near and glean how we can follow. We sense His Spirit blowing in the times, we see His grace in circumstances ordered, we feel His mercy and faithful care when He beckons us to join Him. We move forward in faith- sometimes nervous or uncertain, always anticipating His companionship- and He catches us in His flow, granting the privilege of participating in His kingdom work.
But we have to be on the water. We have to be looking, listening, and willing. We must have balance and time and verve enough to get up and go. Erecting manmade hedges of protection from risk, merely skimming the shoreline to prevent going deep, or staying home altogether, are methods we employ to avoid His dynamic air and movement. And we miss the thrill.
Where is the Lord calling us to be involved in His work? Where have we grown complacent, and made a habit of selectively choosing from what others have labored for and offer? Would we zealously step up and out, eager to follow where God is active and so participate in His ministry? When we ask, He answers. When we trust His ways over our own flesh proclivities, He will make our paths straight, and fruitful. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 7:7-8)
“Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.” ~Daniel Iverson (1926)
Lord, catch my breath up in Yours, that my heart beat with Yours, and I live and serve in Your flow.
As the rain and snow 