We are always responding to something.  We respond when someone speaks.  We respond when we see delectable food in front of us.  We respond to an irresistible fragrance we smell around us.  We respond to traffic lights while we are driving on the streets.  We respond to what our employers tell us to do.  We respond when we remember things that happened in the past.  We respond when we hear the good news preached to us.  We respond when we taste and see the goodness of God. 

Yet, the greatest response that can position us to experience the miraculous is when we respond to what the Lord our God specifically tells us to do.

Just as Mary said to the servants at the wedding in Cana when they ran out of wine, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5), and they did what Jesus said.  In their prompt obedience, they witnessed water turned into the best and finest wine. 

Jesus’ life on earth demonstrated how He walked in full obedience to the Father.  He only did what He saw His Father doing and He only said what He heard Him saying.  No wonder miracles, signs and wonders accompanied Him every time He responded and those supernatural wonders were beyond numbers. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 AMPC)

When Jesus acknowledged and responded in immediacy to what the Father was leading Him to do, He always positioned Himself in the beyond comprehension realm.  Yes, you and I are called to be imitators of Him for as He is, so are we in this world.  But, this only happens when we learn to renew our thinking according to His Word that we may discern what is His perfect will for us.   We need to develop intimacy and oneness with the Holy Spirit Who always bears witness from deep within us to usher us in into the path of inexplicable wonder.

The disciples were exposed to Jesus’ way of thinking and doing things.  He was their role model and His way of living astonished them.  They called Him, “Teacher” and He was always informing, asking, instructing, correcting, teaching and directing them, giving them multiple chances to respond.

Jesus’ lifereflected what it means to become a new creation.  He demonstrated what it means to be loved by His Father Who is also our Father.  He demonstrated what “Sonship” means.  He Who is the Son of God became Man so that we (mankind) can become sons of God for us to live and move and have our being in Him.  He was called the Firstborn of many.  His supernatural living was tangibly visible to the disciples for them not just to spectate, but to learn to acquire knowledge and skill that they may be able to partake of His ability to respond.

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to You on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come!” Peter responded at His Word and got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29).  Until today, no one has ever experienced what Peter did.  He did not try to do it by himself.  He only reciprocated to the word that Jesus spoke without mental calculation, and that made a way for him to defy the norm.

When Peter was asked by the tax collectors if Jesus pays taxes, he replied that He does.  Then, when he came to Jesus Who already anticipated what he encountered, Jesus said, “Go down to the lake and throw in a line.  Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.” (Matthew 17:27).  Truly, everything trembles in submission and response to His Word. 

When the disciples went fishing at the Sea of Tiberias, that night they caught nothing.  As they returned to the shore in the morning, Jesus was there standing despite them not recognizing Him and asked them, “Children, have you caught any fish?  They answered Him, ‘No’.  And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish” (John 21:3-6).  From catching nothing to a net-breaking, boat-sinking catch is His glorious element when the disciples responded accordingly.

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.(Matthew 8:5-8)

 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:13).  On this account, because the centurion believed and revered Jesus’ Word, he responded with such boldness and fearlessness.  He saw the spoken word of come to fruition.  Jesus, then, commended him to have great faith that He has not seen in all Israel.

There are innumerable miracles recorded in the Bible when people responded according to the Word of the Lord and they should become our divine plumb lines.  We are constantly being invited to develop our skill of responding to the voice of the Lord.  These are not written just to make us feel good when read, but when intentionally meditated on day and night, these become”feasts, banquets or a six-course dinner that the Lord has prepared and provided for us in the presence of our enemies” (Psalm 23:5).  His Word says,  “[His] works had been completed and prepared [and waiting for all who would believe] from the foundation of the world.” (Hebrews 4:3 AMPC)

A few years back, my cousins and I were invited to the 80th Birthday Celebration of our Uncle who is residing in the US.  Those who responded to the invitation, speedily made plans and purchased their tickets. 

I, on the other hand, was waiting, “What’s next, Papa?”, since I was already booked to attend a Conference in New Jersey that same year.  I did not want to put a “period” to God’s provision, if He only had a “comma” in mind.  Hmmmm …

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life.  It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! (Romans 8:15-16 MSG)

All the while, instead of focusing on how I could get hold of the provision for that trip, my heart was prompted to think of who I could be a blessing to.  I listed five sets of people to pray for and one of them was a couple that I desired to bless an all-expenses paid trip to one of the prominent beaches in our nation.

One Sunday, I purposely got on a short boat trip to a beach resort where I could be in a place of quietness and rest.  I was longing to hear the voice of the Lord regarding this trip.  I wanted to be sure-footed in my next step. 

When I found a perfect spot  where I could sit down in solitude, thanking the Lord for His goodness and for me to be in such a beautiful place to behold, I caught a verse from Heidi Baker’s book and had a revelation on it that stirred my spirit up.

Isaiah 49:4  “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all.  YET WHAT IS DUE ME IS IN THE LORD’S HAND, AND MY REWARD IS WITH MY GOD.”

I believed and received this timely word and meditated on it.  I whispered within myself that His anointed hand is in my hand, for Jesus said, “You and I are one.  My Spirit, Holy Spirit, lives within you.”  Then, I thought, what is in His hand that is due me is already in my hand.  Hallelujah!  I may not have tangibly seen it yet, but I received it by faith which I considered as my title deed to what I was believing for.

On my way back home, there appeared a rainbow at the horizon and that sealed His promise, as a Covenant-Keeping Father, that it is done!  He desires that our joy be full, lacking nothing.

The very next morning (Monday), I got a message from someone dear to my heart who pledged US$300 for my trip.  Hallelujah!!!  The Lord is now on the move to manifest His promise.

But, in the evening of that same day, as I was driving home from work, I heard a very distinct and strong prompting from deep within me Who said, “The $300 is not for you.  It is a seed!  You are now to bless the couple with a 3days/2nights all-expenses paid trip to the beach.”.  Hallelujah!  Amazingly, my heart was full of joy in response to what I heard.

The moment I reached home, I emailed the couple about blessing them with this trip before logic entered my mind and both were stunned at the Lord’s awesome thoughtfulness and goodness toward them.  Only then, I came to know that it was their 25th Wedding Anniversary in which they did not have any plan nor provision to celebrate.  Isn’t the Lord ever mindful of them? Mindful of their special date?  Mindful of their hearts’ desires?  I had no inkling about it, but the Lord knew.  Take this … if the Lord can do this to them, He surely would be delighted to do this for us!

Tuesday came.  As I was in my morning prayer, I received these two verses.  One from Jeremiah 32:27 MSG,  “Stay alert! I am God, the God of everything living. Is there anything I can’t do? The other one was from Genesis 18:14 AMP, “Is anything too difficult or too wonderful for theLord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes, I will return to you …”

Oh wow!!! What a great way to shoot adrenaline into my very being indeed.  I felt like Caleb who said,”Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”  (Numbers 13:30)

On that same day, I shared all these with my Bible teacher and the leaders of Victorious Women Ministry where I was a part of.  I confidently and boldly told them that I will have a testimony on the next Tuesday.  My provision may have gone back to zero in the natural, but I had faith in His Word that when a seed is sown, a harvest is at hand which is far greater.

On Wednesday, I booked my flight by faith in response to His directive, with nothing in my hand.  Mind you, I chose the direct flight that was more expensive than what my other cousins purchased who were flying via Korea, and that somehow stunned them.  What audacity I had to take that direct flight?   But for me, that was faith in action when He led me.  We must remember that when it is His will, it will surely be His bill.   You see, when I asked the Lord which flight to take, He simply answered, “Which one do you like?”  Of course, I answered, the direct one 🙂

He always highlights this verse in Exodus 33:14 to me, “My Presence will go with you.  I’ll see your journey to the end”.  Hallelujah!

While waiting, I pressed on to His Word and worshipped, so there will be no room for discouragement when I did not see any movement at all.  I kept reminding myself to get in alignment to His Word, to His promise and not war against it.  He is able!  He is faithful!  In every season I will press on, for God alone is on the throne.

Sunday came and I was led to sow to another couple a certain amount of money and a voucher for a 50% discounted dinner at a fine dining restaurant.  Truly His ways and thoughts  are not our ways neither our thoughts.  When I needed provision, He made me realize how blessed I was to be a blessing to the measure I was capable of. 

On Monday morning, another friend called me up asking for a dinner treat for three.  Oh wow!!! What an opportunity to keep blessing and blessing?  I saw the Lord setting me up for a huge harvest and I just kept saying, “Yes, Lord!”   Praise the Lord!  It is all by His grace that I was able to say “Yes” each time.  His strength was made perfect for me and it was such a joy to do it.

Immediately after that call, another call came in.  This time, my other friend asked me, “May I know what happened to your ticket to Los Angeles? Do you already have provision for it?”  I replied, “Not yet.  I’m still waiting for the manifestation of the Lord’s promise which I know is at hand.”  Then, she said, “Text me the FULL AMOUNT (which was US$1,300) and I’ll issue you a cheque.”  Hallelujah!  Was I stunned? No!  My spirit knew that it was coming.  My heart knew that God is faithful and He will never fail to make His Word come to pass.  Praise be the Name of the Lord.  He is faithful and true.

“Therefore I say unto you, what things you so ever desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”  (Mark 11:24)  

Tuesday came, exactly a week after I told my Bible Teacher, I shared my powerful testimony of how the Lord postures us to walk in the supernatural when we respond right to His leading without hesitation.  We may not know how and when He will come through, but we know that He surely will.  “Thanks be to God Who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus” (2Corinthians 2:14).

This wonderful story did not end here.  A week before our flight, there was a Bird-Flu virus that happened in Korea. My cousins who booked their flights there had to move and make another booking to fly with us.  Hmmmm … the Lord knew beforehand.  He knew which flight to put me so I wouldn’t be inconvenienced.  He prevented me from having to go through the trouble of booking for another flight while the cancelled one would still be in the process of refund.  Isn’t He awesomely amazing? 

The Lord our God was not only mindful of the couple whom He desired to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary, but He was equally mindful that I would be able to attend and celebrate the 80th Birthday of my Uncle.  Hmmmm …. GOD CELEBRATES WITH US.  GOD CELEBRATES US.

Truly, when we respond to His leading, we become surefooted as a deer.  In Psalm 18:32-33 NLT, it says, “God arms me with strength,and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer,enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”

I couldn’t dismiss this divine character of a deer being surefooted without checking Google what this means 🙂   To be surefooted denotes being be confident and competent, unlikely to slip or stumble.   To be surefooted as a deer means to stand firm, to stand strong, to know where to go and when to go there, to know what to do and when to do it.

A deer is known for their gracefulness and swiftness.  They are known to have long and powerful legs suited to walk, run, and climb rugged woodland terrain.  They never slip while climbing higher and higher.  They are surefooted.

God trains and equips us when we go through some rugged woodland terrain.  He will ensure us that we are strengthened by His Word as the Holy Spirit reveals.  He will make our way perfect as He goes before us to straighten our paths and level our ways, for it is He Who perfects that which concerns us.   Just like how the deer does not slip while climbing up higher and higher, in the same way God will make our feet as surefooted as we heed His voice and incline our ears to His sayings.  His Word is the lamp upon our feet and the light unto our path that illumines every step that we take, preventing us from falling or slipping.  He will fill us with power and strength that is needed to go up high amidst adverse oppositions, for it is not by our might nor by our power, but by the Spirit of God resident in us.  

Deer feet are specialized for their natural habitat and lifestyle.  They are cloven hooves, meaning they are divided into two parts, or “toes”.  This design helps deer move quickly and efficiently through various terrains, including forests, grasslands, and mountains.  Their feet are adapted for agility, allowing deer to navigate rough terrain and escape predators.  Additionally, deer have a soft, sensitive inner hoof that acts as a shock absorber and provides traction, especially in slippery or uneven conditions.

A hind is actually a female red deer.  They won’t step on anything that is not sure and steady under its feet.  What’s so interesting is that she will place her back feet exactly in the same place her front feet went.  She is exactly surefooted, not off by an inch.  Because of these two abilities, she is able to scale mountains and rocks without any fear of falling.  It’s no wonder God told Habakkuk to use a deer as an example of surefootedness.

You see, when God puts a certain animal in the Bible, it has its divine purpose.  Always consider looking up the character of that particular animal.  Surely you will be amazed of what you will discover.

In Christ, everyday is equipping day for us.  He is teaching us how to hear Him speak when we choose to spend time in His presence where His secrets are revealed, at the same time He is divinely coaching us how to respond promptly and purposely without restraint when we hear His voice.  Our intimacy and fellowship with Him is determined and enhanced by our response. His desire is for us to know experientially what it means to live a heaven-on-earth life which is lived by faith and responded by faith that postures us to walk in the miraculous.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You for putting Your laws in our minds and writing them in the tablets of our hearts.  Your Word indeed is near us, in our mouths and in our hearts.  Thank You, Jesus, for Being the Word made flesh, that as we meditate Your Word day and night, we partake of Who You are, Your thoughts and Your ways.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for always Being  the Revealer of all truth, the Revealer of Who Jesus is and all that He fully paid for us that we may have an abundant life that is designed to flow in and overflow  through us.  Thank You for always opening our spiritual gateways that we may be able to respond skillfully at every Word that You are speaking and leading us, taking us into the arena of the impossible-made-possible.  Amen!

Photo Credits: Edna Arriola; New Zealand