Why This ‘Stuffy Traditionalist’ Decided to Encounter Holy Spirit

Among Spirit-filled believers, there’s an underlying desire to encounter the deeper realities of God. Sometimes there may be conflicted ideas about what this means and how it comes about. Yet many sincerely want to experience the wonder of heaven’s glory.

A woman came up to me one time after an exhilarating church service and asked how she could be positioned for more of the supernatural. A conservative “traditionalist” standing next to her spoke up and said, “What do you mean? You shouldn’t be going after anything like that.” 

I turned to her friend and mentioned that the Bible often invites believers to reflect on the astounding works of the Lord. I explained that we are sometimes even offered a glimpse of the Lord’s magnificent strength and power.

I reiterated that it’s partly through this type of reflection that Christians advance into deeper realities. As the devoted actively engage the Lord and His astounding works, they’re better positioned to reflect who He is within creation. 

For many years, I’ve been struck by what the psalmist declared in the following passage: “The works of the Lord are great, sought out by all who have pleasure in them” (Ps. 111:2). 

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ancient psalmist disclosed that all who love God should diligently study His works. Those who delight in Jesus are given the opportunity to examine His astounding wonders.

As believers meditate on the amazing things that the Lord has accomplished, they’re positioned to encounter amazing things. As these biblical accounts ignite the imagination, believers are able to perceive the subtle rhythms of glory.

Popular religion is anxious about this type of invitation. Many will even tell you to veer away from the immensity of the spectacular. Yet God is declaring to those who will listen, “Meditate on My wonders and be amazed by what I do.” {eoa}

J.D. King, director of the World Revival Network and co-pastor at World Revival Church, is writing Regeneration: Healing in the History of Christianity. King is a sought-after speaker, writer and author.