This morning I came across an excerpt I had once read. It is from a book by Steve Porter.
In this book, Steve talks about a visitation he had. The Lord had awakened him to come and dine with Him. Steve obeyed and went to the table of the Lord. While there, the Lord prepared and delivered the portions of food to each person in attendance. Steve quickly noticed that his portion was smaller than others. The Lord knew the question that was burning in his heart that day and He was quick to answer.
The Lord perceived what was in my heart and when everyone had finished the meal He spoke. “Some ask in their hearts why I gave more substance to some, but not to others. “This meal symbolizes the deeper things of God, the very secrets of my heart, and I gave you according to your capacity to receive. As you keep coming to this table I have freely set before you I will enlarge your capacity to receive through your obedience to the knocks at your door. I must tell you, however, that I come at inconvenient times. I want to know, my dear one, that if you love me as much as I love you, I will share many secrets with you, but only if you are willing to come. And as I have said before only a few choose to respond to My invitation. Most are tucked comfortably in their beds unwilling to lose sleep… but I am the night visitor.” (Taken from “Whispers from the Throne Room” by Steve Porter)
Walking in the fullness of God doesn’t happen because of a single visitation with Him. It can only take place by building a relationship over time. An intimate relationship with God must be cultivated through many encounters with Him, just as it is with people and loved ones in the natural. It comes from spending quiet times with God over and again. And it comes from answering the call wherever and whenever He bids us to come. If we do that, our portion of Him will not be small, indeed, it will be great. However, if we refuse to come when He calls, our portion will be small.
When I read this today, I was reminded of the scripture in John 15:14, it says, If you love me, keep my commandments.
I think we often read this scripture and assume we need to simply obey the laws or the commandments of God. Or the commandment to love Him and love one another. However, I believe He is saying, “If you love Me, do what I say, come when I call.”
God did not stop speaking at the cross. He is still speaking today. He is still giving us instruction, leading, and guiding us all along the way. If we love Him, truly love Him, we will do what He says, when He says.
I know it is not always convenient when God calls us to come away with Him. Most of the time, for me, it is in the middle of the night, when I am sound asleep. Or He will call at times when I am busy with an important project. Yet, the truth remains, if He bids me come, I must go. It’s the same for all of us, or at least it should be.
Revelations 3:20 says, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
I love the Amplified version of this scripture; Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.
Our part is to hear His voice, listen to His voice and then heed His voice.
Today, are you hearing the knock? Are you listening for it? If so, have you opened the door? Or are you like those in Luke 14, when they were invited to come and dine, they all made excuses for why they couldn’t come?
Are you free to feast with Jesus or are you occupied with many other things?
We are in a time and season when God is calling, He is at the door, knocking. I pray you hear the call. And not only hear the call but listen to that precious voice and quickly heed it. May we listen, hear and obey and may our portion in the Lord be great, this is my prayer, in Jesus’ name.
