quote found on The Journeyman's Files
"...the very fact that you want to know God's presence means you're already sensing something. Think about it. How many people never give God a second thought? How many people sleep in on Sunday morning, and never open up a Bible or send up a prayer? But you're not like that; you really want to be closer to the Lord. My hunch is that you are already sensing something of God's presence, or you wouldn't care.
Here's a homely analogy: picture yourself walking around a shopping mall, looking at people and the window displays. Suddenly, you get a whiff of cinnamon. You weren't even hungry, but now you really crave a cinnamon roll. This craving isn't something you made up. There you were, minding your own business, when some drifting molecules of sugar, butter, and spice collided with a susceptible patch inside your nose. You had a real encounter with cinnamon - not a mental delusion, not an emotional projection, but the real thing.
And what was the effect? You want more, now. And if you hunger to know the presence of God, it's because, I believe, you have already begun to scent its compelling delight."
(The Jesus Prayer by Frederica Matthewes-Green page xiv.)
I agree with this quote. The Word of God tells us that none come to Him that He Himself has not called forth. Such leaves us with the mystery of why not all are called. I will trust those thoughts to Him, and be grateful He called me, and gave me the desire to say yes to His call.
ReplyDeleteTo use the wafting aroma analogy to answer your question about why not all are called...
ReplyDeleteThe aroma (invitation) is available and present to all, but some have noses and heads that are clogged with allergies (sin) and they can't perceive the wonderful gift. Indeed their (sin} drainage dulls their senses and appetites.