Summer 2005
Was That You, Lord?
Wade E Taylor

The world has “educational toys” for children. While playing with these, children are also learning. The Lord may use the “movings” of the Holy Spirit as spiritual “educational toys.”

When we asked the Lord to become the head of our lives, we then begin to become the expression of His life. We take on “the mind of Christ” and give expression to His life through our lives. As we yield to this working of the Holy Spirit, His life gradually comes into control of our lives.

During this time of “learning,” there is a mixture as we grow through the 30 fold, into the 60 fold, and then into the fullness of His life expressed through our lives as we become a 100 fold Christian. Being a 30 fold Christian means that 30 percent of what we say and do is the expression of the life of the Lord through us, and 70 percent is the expression of our lives. When we progress to the place where 60 percent of what we say and do is the expression of the life of the Lord, only 30 percent is our expression. Now the Lord is in control.

We cannot bypass these stages of spiritual development, but we must experientially grow through them. As we express that which yet relates to us, we will begin to feel uncomfortable and realize that a change is needed. As we seek this change, we will be moved upon by the Lord through a teaching, or a dealing, so we will learn.

We may not see a direct result from these “learning sessions” that is significant in any way, as these are “learning toys” to teach and instruct us. Others will be blessed and edified, and we learn.

The Lord moves on us in ways that are “not” important, so that when the really important thing does come, we will know how to function. We will grow spiritually much more rapidly if we are able to recognize this process, and become willing for the Lord to use us in this way.

“Except you…. become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2b

This means that there must be a “heart” obedience, rather than a “head” response. If my heart is toward the Lord, I will say, “Lord, I may be wrong, but I am going to obey, and I will find out if this is you or not.” Some have said, “I think the Lord is asking me to do something, but I am not sure if it is the Lord or not.” I have told them, if it is not life threatening, or will adversely affect others, try it.

When Israel came out of Egypt, and came to the Red Sea, they were not spiritually mature. Therefore, the Red Sea parted “in front” of them. But while in the wilderness, they experienced the pillar of fire by night, and the cloud by day. This was a supernatural provision to teach them.

They were being taught (spiritual educational toys) the principals of how to function in the kingdom “while” they were still in the wilderness. When they came to the Jordan River, they were told to take the ark and step into the flooded river, and that when the souls of their feet touched the water, the water would recede under their feet – which it did.

We will face situations where it seems critical and we think the Lord has spoken, but we are not sure. As we step into this “word,” if it is the Lord, the waters will part and the purpose of the Lord will be accomplished. If the word was not from the Lord, we will drown.

Now we have learned, and can do it right the next time. I have learned more from the things I have done wrong, than from the things I have done right.

“All things work together for good” - even the things I do wrong.