Do you hear Him?

Romans 8:23-25   Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

In my study of abiding in Christ, or remaining in Christ, so much has come of the desire that longs within us. A person who abides is a person who is keen to that voice inside of them, guiding them along the path of life. It is a person who sometimes seems to go against the grain, away from the crowd, but yet seems fulfilled and content because they are with Christ there. When we are saved we are given a gift from God by the Holy Spirit that comes to dwell inside us. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. This gift brings a change of consciousness, a view in a different light from what the world sees. It is that lifting of the burden of sin from our souls and the guidance He provides for our remaining time here. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit also brings a hope that the world cannot steal away. You can grieve the Spirit by trying to silence His voice inside you, and your hope will dwindle. The more keen you are to His voice, the greater your hope becomes. Hope and faith are entwined together and strengthen each other. As a person who seeks God and the things of God, the Spirit becomes more active in their lives. His guidance becomes clearer and their obedience becomes natural. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Start to spend some time seeking God in prayer about becoming obedient to the workings of the Spirit inside of you. That obedience is the path of righteousness, and that path leads you closer to God, and the things of God. You only get there by a constant pursuit, not grieving the Spirit by remaining still. Your relationship should always move forward, and the hope that lies within you is urging you in that pursuit.