Okay, I’m going to cut to the quick.  Everyone wants to experience God.  The manifest presence of God is what separates the Christian faith from every other religion.  Without the evidence of God’s Spirit moving, we are a a people who hold to a set of doctrines that define our life.  So do the Buddhists, and the Muslims, and the LDS.  What makes the Christianity different is the manifest presence of God moving among His people.

When you read the scriptures you get a clear picture of the power of God moving.  He led the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt.  He defeated Jericho by asking His people to march around the city and blow trumpets.  He gave Israel a great victory through a shepherd boy who, with a sling and a stone, defeated one of the greatest warriors of the Philistines.  He empowered 12 rejects to boldly proclaim the Gospel, establishing the church, healing the sick, performing signs and wonders…the list goes on and on and on.  The question we have to ask is, “To what end does God display his power?”  The answer is, “To fulfill His mission.”  His power is always at work when his people are obedient to His mission.

The challenge we face in the church today; we think the manifest presence of God is something we ask for so we can watch it.  That’s not why God moves powerfully.  Look through scripture from cover to cover.  The manifest presence of God is available not for those watching but for those walking obediently in faith.

He’s not interested in performing miracles so you can get on with your selfish life.  He wants to show Himself mighty and powerful on behalf of those who are willing to give up everything for the glory of the  name of Jesus Christ.  If you want to experience His power you have to be passionately in pursuit of His purpose.  Otherwise your nothing than a movie goer looking to be entertained.  Those people are never satisfied and don’t even understand the true concept of following Jesus Christ.

Listen, if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ He has called you to mission.  The mission is making disciples, knowing and embracing suffering for His name, becoming more like him, and walking in obedience in every area.  It’s displaying good works, caring for those in need, studying the Word of God and standing on it.  Those who are committed to the mission don’t have a problem with the “obedience of faith” that Paul talks about in Romans, and they also experience His supernatural power.

I have found that most Christians in need of God to move in their life are stuck because they are unwilling to do the things God has been clear on.  They want healing in a relationship but they aren’t really willing to forgive.  They want financial blessing but they are not willing to exercise Biblical stewardship.  They want to be a part of powerful ministry but they aren’t willing to share the Gospel boldly with anyone.  How can we expect God to move in the church if we are demanding His power without our willingness to obey.

Obedience shows you have two things.  First, it shows you understand the truth.  It means we are clear on what God is asking.  Second it shows we have faith.  In other words, when I obey, I’m saying by my life that I believe God will manifest His power to accomplish His purpose in my situation.   So what do you need to do to be obedient?  The power of God comes after.  The Experience is a result of you living you your faith in what you know God has said He will do.

Every person that scripture speaks of, had to live in obedience before they experienced God’s power.  3500 people were saved after Peter preached the Gospel.  Goliath died after David stepped out on the battle field.  Moses led the people out after he went to Pharaoh.  We all need God’s power in our life.  The strength of God working where our weakness can’t do much is what brings God glory.

So, enough talk.  Where do you need to experience God’s power?  Obey what He has already told you to do, and you will see Him move.