A Sensitive Subject

While driving home, I heard the pastor on the radio say with a slow yet unyielding voice, “we must be sensitive to the Spirit of God.” I have heard this phrase before but the word, sensitive seems to deepen an understanding of how to be led. The dictionary defines the word sensitive as, “quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.” Sensitivity is not slow, rash, or unresponsive, but in tune to the slightest change, signal, or influence. Have you ever wished that God would just make things so clear as to hit us over the head with a response, an answer, and direction of the, what do we do now? Most often this is not how we receive or hear, because in that there is no activation of faith. As we are quick, however, to detect that slight influence of the Holy Spirit along with a response of faith, that is when we are activated in ways that not only benefit us, but the people around us. 

Being sensitive in a worldly view can often be frowned upon, but is this not the very way God asks us to respond as living temples of the Holy Spirit? Too many times we operate in a bulldog mentality to find answers, solve problems, and get things done. When it doesn’t happen in our own time, our own way, and our own expectations, we get frustrated and say, “God, where are you?” The good news is that He is always with you, leading and whispering in those slight movements, nudges, and whispers, we only need to be sensitive to Him. The deeper our sensitivity is to that slight change, the more aware we are of it. It might be a thought that seems to come out of nowhere, it might be a deep reaction to someone or something, it might be through His word, or just a small impression on our heart.  

Part of being sensitive to His Spirit, is our quick response. As a struggling over-thinker, responding quickly is not usually natural for me. A few years ago, our family of four was enjoying a rainy day at an amusement park. Since the weather was not ideal, the length of the waiting line was. Our boys decided that a mini rollercoaster to ride again and again would make for the best day. So, we got on the ride, our ride assistant would make sure our buckles were securely fastened only to release them 45 seconds later. We would get up, go back to the line, and instantly back on the ride, again….and again….and again. The young man helping us was so pleasant and kind. Oliver whispered in my ear, “I like him mommy,” which was a mutual feeling for all of us. When the boys were finally done, and the park was getting ready to close, we thanked the young man and walked away. I knew in that instant, I felt that small change in my Spirit, go back to him. I told my husband “I believe God has a word for that young man,” but I just kept walking. My husband, Dan, looked at me and said, “if you do not tell him the word, will you be able to sleep tonight?” “No,” I responded. “Then get your little hiney back over there,” my husband said. I paused, I over-thought, and then I turned myself around and walked back over to the mini roller coaster. When I got to the young man, I released a word of the Lord over him, and I could tell that God was doing something beautiful in his doubting heart. My family came shortly after me and Oliver, my 5-year-old at the time said, “mom, ask him if he has any pain in his body?” We asked the young man, Thomas, if he had any pain and he went on to describe how he hurt is heel in an accident. Oliver walked over to him, got on his knees, and began praying for his heel. Thomas had tears in his eyes and was overwhelmed by the goodness of God in that moment. I believe He encountered the supernatural power of God at that amusement park, and our family also experienced God in His beautiful leading and was able to witness a miracle in this man’s life. 

Are we sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Are we embracing trust and faith when it comes to responding to the small influence of His movements? There have been many times I’ve missed the nudge or felt it, but did not respond. Yet, I praise God for grace and that He keeps moving, speaking, and guiding, even in our weaknesses. This week, let us tune in with sensitivity to His Spirit and know that a quick response to a small change can make a massive impact for us, our families, and the world around us. 

Ways We Can Be Sensitive to Holy Spirit Leading

• If you think it’s from the Holy Spirit, it probably is.

• When you feel the slight change, the next part is an activation of faith, move upon what you felt or heard in your Spirit. This is when your faith is activated and you learn the sound of His voice and leading.

• If you get it wrong, don’t stop listening and tuning in, pick yourself up, and try again. The bible says, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” 1 Corinthians 13:9-10.
  • This means that we are still part flesh and part spirit, so we will we only hear in part, which means we may miss what He has said or prompted us to do. Do not loose heart, fix what needs fixed and keep pressing in.

• When wanting to hear and operate in the Holy Spirit, pray, pray some more, and pray again. Being in communication and relationship with God is essential.

• Fast. “That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:18

• God’s heart is that all will hear and operate in His spirit. Not just for certain people. “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39