But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2: 4-10
So, what exactly are these ‘good works’ that we are supposed to be doing that Paul is writing about? Which God has prepared beforehand? And that we are supposed to be ‘walking’ in those ‘works’? What faith have we obtained ourselves? What grace did we deserve? All of this is ONLY understood through the intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Only by His personal instruction within us will we know what exactly we are to do. Is He communicating to you what and where and who you should be talking to, doing things with and for, and how and when exactly He wants you engaged with Him in walking out those instructions? Can anyone actually live a life like that? Why not? Is He really indwelling us? Is your body really His temple? Do you think God is lazy or not speaking or not moving or silent? Do you believe He doesn’t respond to those who ask Him honestly from their hearts? How much time do you take to ask Him questions as to what you should be doing, saying, or thinking? Does He even have a chance to engage with you during your day? Are you inviting Him to speak to you? Or are you just expecting Him to take over? The Holy Spirit is the most patient, kind, good, loving, joyful, faithful, peace-filled, and gentle Spirit. He is the fruit He produces. He does not ‘take over’, He invites — just like Jesus.
So, if you’re waiting for Him to ‘hit you over the head’ with instructions – that is not His way. He will wait for you to invite Him to engage with you. Are you inviting Him every morning to speak to you? Are you asking Him questions with the only motivation of getting to know Him better? Or are you always asking Him for your agenda or wants? Who might have a better vision as to what you should be doing …you or Him? Can you set yourself aside and ask Him what He wants? God isn’t looking for Sunday service attenders – He’s looking for His children to ‘walk in His way’. What exactly is His way … for you? Only the Holy Spirit can reveal that to you.
But before dealing with all the things He has planned for you … you might have to deal with the things the Holy Spirit is convicting you about that you have dismissed. First things first. Has He been pointing out things (sin) He wants you to admit and repent of? Don’t put it off, or shove it under the rug. Deal with it. Allow Him to cleanse you and wash you from those things. (1 John 1:9)
We’ve been created to walk with Him. And by far His path is the best, most exciting, most adventurous, and fulfilling thing we could ever do – because He made US to do it and do it WITH Him! Why don’t you ask Him right now… wherever you are? Engage with Him.