In our spiritual journey, there are moments when we experience profound divine encounters—through visions, dreams, or burdens laid upon our hearts by God. These encounters are not just spiritual high points to savour; they are calls to action, invitations to align our lives with God’s will through practical steps of obedience. Anointed practicality is about what we do after these divine moments. It’s about taking the instructions we receive and transforming them into tangible actions.
Hearing the Call: Responding to Divine Visions and Dreams
Throughout the Bible, God communicates through visions and dreams, providing guidance, warnings, and revelations of His will.
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28, ESV)
When we receive a vision or dream from God, the first step is to seek confirmation through prayer and scripture, ensuring it aligns with God’s word and character. After confirmation, we must take decisive action, just as biblical figures did.
Example: Joseph’s Obedience
Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, received divine guidance through dreams. When warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod’s wrath, he acted immediately.
“When he rose, he took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.” (Matthew 2:14, ESV)
Joseph’s quick obedience not only fulfilled God’s plan but also safeguarded the future Savior of the world. Our actions, inspired by divine encounters, can similarly fulfill God’s purposes and bring protection and blessing.
Burden to Pray: Engaging in Intercessory Prayer
Sometimes, God places a burden on our hearts to pray for specific people, situations, or nations. This burden is a divine prompt to engage in intercessory prayer, partnering with God to bring about His will on earth.
“And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30, ESV)
When we feel a strong urge to pray, we must respond promptly and earnestly. This could involve setting aside specific times for prayer, joining prayer groups, or even fasting to intensify our intercession.
Example: Nehemiah’s Intercession
Nehemiah felt a deep burden to pray for the desolate state of Jerusalem. He fasted, wept, and prayed fervently before taking any action.
“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4, ESV)
Nehemiah’s prayerful response led to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, demonstrating how powerful and effective intercessory prayer can be when we act on the burdens God places on our hearts.
Acting on Divine Instructions: Practical Steps of Obedience
Obeying divine instructions often requires practical steps that demonstrate our faith and commitment. This might involve significant changes in our lifestyle, career, or relationships to align with God’s direction.
Example: Abraham’s Obedience
Abraham is a profound example of practical obedience. When God called him to leave his country and go to a land He would show him, Abraham acted without hesitation.
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Abraham’s willingness to act on God’s instructions led to the fulfilment of God’s promises, making him the father of many nations. Our willingness to take practical steps in obedience to God’s call can open the door to divine blessings and fulfilment of His promises in our lives.
Living Out the Encounter: Daily Faithfulness
Anointed practicality is not limited to grand gestures; it encompasses daily faithfulness in small things. Consistently reading scripture, maintaining a vibrant prayer life, serving others, and living with integrity are all ways we can walk in obedience after a divine encounter.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10, ESV)
Example: Daniel’s Daily Devotion
Daniel exemplified daily faithfulness. Despite the threat of persecution, he continued his practice of praying three times a day.
“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10, ESV)
Daniel’s unwavering commitment to his daily practices sustained his relationship with God and demonstrated his steadfast faith, even in adversity.
Conclusion
Anointed practicality involves taking the divine encounters we experience and translating them into obedient, practical actions. Whether responding to visions and dreams, praying with a burdened heart, or making significant life changes based on God’s instructions, our practical steps of obedience are vital in fulfilling God’s purposes. Let us embrace the call to live out our faith in tangible ways, allowing our actions to reflect the divine encounters we cherish.
By committing to anointed practicality, we partner with God in bringing His kingdom to earth, one obedient step at a time. May our lives be a testament to His guidance, love, and sovereignty as we walk in faith and obedience each day.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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