Years ago we were attending a church that was about to move from the building they held services in to their new building. At the close of the service as the congregation was worshiping God in that old run-down building, God began to move in my heart and I sensed that we were to “march” around the room. I stepped out into the isle and began to march, coaxing others to join in. Some did, others did not. In the spirit realm this “march” was symbolic of the church moving from the old into the new; into a new phase of the plan God had for that congregation.

Now, years later I still see some of the same responses of people to the move of God in church services. Some participate and others stay as a spectator. It seems to me that there are many in the Kingdom of God – in the churches today – who know and recognize the move of God but are content to watch others enjoy the move of God. It is God’s will that everyone enjoys His presence. Whether people respond to His presence with the spectacular of shouts of hallelujahs, raised hands praising Him, dancing, and rejoicing, or in the hush of quietness, we should always participate. There is eternal value in each move of God and we need to learn how to discern what He is doing in the hearts of His people – regardless of whether it is an outward response of rejoicing or the quiet humbling of our heart.

When we submit to participate in the move of God, He ministers to us and we are changed from within. This is what the Bible means in Second Corinthians 3:18 about being transformed from glory to glory. Don’t put God in a box by thinking how He should manifest His glory – whether it’s a hallelujah-shouting service or a quiet peaceful interlude. Keeping our heart holy before God opens the avenue for His blessings to be manifested, in our church services, as well as in our hearts, and our homes.

If we want to receive a blessing of God’s presence, we must have an “active-participant’s heart” that responds to Him; we cannot just be watching others. The blessings of the promises of God come to those who respond to His presence; and are obedient to His Word. Our participation in the Kingdom of God is up to us; up to our decisions to live according to His Word. If we want to experience the moved of God in our heart and lives, then we need to respond with a willing and obedient heart to Him (Isaiah 1:19).

So, be determined to be a participant in the move of God; yielding to God’s presence and allowing Him to minister to you, and receive the healing, forgiveness, peace, wisdom, or whatever else you may need from Him. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has good thoughts toward us – of peace and not of evil, to give us a hope and a future. God is always ready to bless you and me when we yield submissively in response to His Presence.