God’s Kinetic Presence

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kinetic energy

God’s Kinetic Presence

I was taught in a ninth-grade physics class that power exists in two states – it can be either kinetic or potential. It can exist in a resting state where there is potential for something to happen. It can also be active and kinetic. A lamp has the potential to illuminate, but nothing happens unless the switch is flipped to the on position. 

While shopping at Best Buy, an inner hunch came to me. If I offered to pray for the salesman standing by me God would give me an inspired prayer to offer up. 

I wasn’t looking for something exciting to do. I was at the Best Buy to get an accessory for my iPhone. God was up to something. I thought I’d step onto the ice to see what’d happen. 

“But what happens if this blows up in my face?”

The worst scenario I could come up with was that I’d go home and shop at a different Best Buy location until he no longer worked there. Ha!

I think in worst case scenarios when it comes to being spontaneous with a risk. In this case, what’s the worst that could happen? He could say no thank you and call store security for violating the “no offerings of prayer” policy. If the guy was effected in a negative way I’ll just tell him I’m off my meds and need to get home for a dose so I can get back to normal.

“What’s the worst that could happen here? I offer to pray for him and he either turns me down – no biggie. What if I do have a prayer that is pretty specific and it’s way off? What do I do then?”

This wasn’t a theory about love for people – God was interested in showing his active, kinetic power to this person.

God called me to flip the switch on this guys lamp! 

He was a little reluctant to receive my prayer for him till I promised it’d be a ten second or less prayer. Jesus’ public prayers were short and sweet – usually less than ten seconds. When I touched his arm to pray I saw a picture of him at a desk in a classroom at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. The prayer, “Father I invite you to show him on his first day of medical school that it wasn’t his efforts that opened this door of opportunity, but his grandmother’s prayers that made this happen.” Elapsed time for the prayer – about five-seconds. His eyes were dripping with tears and his nose was running. He looked up and said, “Who are you anyway? How did you know that I am about to take the medical college admissions test? I’ve been studying like crazy. How did you know so much about my family – and particularly about my grandmother?” He went on to ask how he could follow up on us – the church that I was leading at the time. 

Walking out to my car it hit me how abnormally normal all of that felt. At the moment I felt I was in the groove of my calling as a follower of Jesus. 

There is something in me that longs for more stories like that. Something longs for adventure. Is there a doable way for me to move from potential to kinetic spiritual power?

Pray a slightly risky prayer: “Father, I’m open for business today! I invite you to lead me where you’d have me today. Change the world through my life today.”

Open your eyes: Open your inner eyes.  

Each person is carrying a burden. Each person has their version of a looming entrance exam. Perhaps he has in mind for you to bring them hope, encouragement in the form of his presence. 

Anticipate: He is going to show you some things today.

Willing: Here I am. Use me. We prayed that prayer but do we mean it? Do we actually anticipate that we might be interrupted by God? 

Offer something simple: I’ve offered to pray a ten-second prayer to hundreds one on one and have been turned down only once. If nothing else a great prayer is, “I bless you now in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” 

Take a risk. In the words of G.K. Chesterton:

“Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly.”

Steve has spoken, mentored and modeled to churches and leaders around the world with the simple message that anyone – regardless of their gifting or experience – can be involved in bringing God’s loving kindness to others. His first book, Conspiracy of Kindness has been translated into several languages with more in the works. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies. Altogether his books have sold over 500,000 copies.