Ok. Admittedly, this is a different sort of post. But, I'll ask: When one is possessed by the Holy Spirit, what does it feel like? I'm not asking from some theological perspective, but a personal one. I've had those personal experiences, and know when they are taking place by virtue of having been relegated to being a spectator as they happened. I say "spectator" because it wasn't me who was in control.
As others have said, they may preach a sermon, give a bible study, or simply pray, and something "different" happens. Is that something "different" pure mental gymnastics, or something more?
Someday I hope to have the courage to share what happens to me when I'm put aside for the work of the Holy Spirit. But for now, I'm curious as to whether anyone else has experienced a sense of being put aside, and witnessing themselves saying and doing things they hadn't planned, and to what they accredit the event.
As we try to be in control of our servant-role; studying, researching, praying...whatever we do...do we ever let go, and let something outside of our control mutter the words of a sermon...interact with a suffering individual...and do the deeds that we don't plan? Do we open ourselves to the very presence of God in this day and age, through opening our self-centered existences to the work of the Holy Spirit? I have an ex-pastor who once said that the role of a pastor was more of a dog...a sheep dog...than a shepherd. She exclaimed...."I'm a dog"! Afterwards, she shared that she didn't know where that came from...must've been the Holy Spirit. Do we let ourselves be possessed?
For me; lots of times yes...and sometimes no. I'm kinda working on the "no's".
2 comments:
The best way I can describe it is that two things happen when I'm drunk in Holy Spirit. First, I lose all my inhibitions. Second, I hear from Him with crystal clarity - and because my inhibitions are gone I just do whatever He says. And the whole time is saturated in the Father's LOVE which is non-threatening to people, but totally devastating to principalities and powers in the heavenly places (hence some people tend to feel attracted and repelled all at once).
I think many of us in our society struggle with the idea of being "out of control" but it's interesting that the Bible says that self-control comes out of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). The Bible is also clear that God intends for us to experience Him, His Kingdom, and the heavenlies. It's true that without a love for The Word we can be led into deceptive experiences, but I also believe that to love The Word but have no experiences is to be deceived already!
Mark h,
Thank you so much for sharing. I agree with your statement that many struggle with the notion of being "out of control"
Thanks for your visit and your comments.
Marty
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