Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 1

When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of someone speaking.
Ezekiel 1:28b

Ezekiel is a fascinating book. Perhaps no other prophet has so many visions. Where a prophet like Habakkuk, as we reviewed yesterday, can feel more cerebral, Ezekiel is undoubtedly supernatural. 

Ezekiel has just finished seeking a strange vision of a chariot. Then, after describing the vision, he indicates he hears a voice, as noted in our focus verse above. Perhaps, when we read such supernatural occurrences in scripture, we wonder if those still happen today? Or maybe we believe they happen, but do not trust when we have experiences of our own? 

Prophets are famous for their supernatural experiences, their visions, but we see them all across scripture. Consider Jacob wrestling with a man until daybreak or Paul’s experience on the Damascus Road, as just two of many examples. 

But we wonder still, do they happen today? Were these simply in the realm of scripture? I write as one who has had supernatural experiences. When they have happened to me, I have often first been met by doubt. Can I trust what I experienced? Can I believe it was really God? Those are hard questions to answer, subjective questions. But for me, I have three ways of determining the legitimacy of these supernatural occurrences. 

First, does it feel like God? I know what God feels like. Certainly, as you read this you do, too. We have experienced a movement of the Holy Spirit during worship or at other times. And if struggling with what God feels like, consider the fruits of the Spirit. If it feels like one of those fruits, there’s a good chance it’s God. 

Second, I think often of Stephen M.R. Covey’s definition of trust. He calls it a function of “character and competence.” (The Speed of Trust) If the experience feels like God, it’s of God’s character. If it helps us in some way, benefits our faith and helps us serve others better, that’s of God’s competence, for we were put on this earth for a missional purpose. 

Finally, speak with a pastor or other trusted spiritual guide. Share your experience and let them help you discern both if it is of God and what to make of it.

Supernatural occurrences do still happen. They can be confusing but are worth exploring and examining, applying these three standards. Visions and such are not solely for the prophets of old. 

Think
When have you had a supernatural occurrence in your life? Or, if having trouble bringing one to mind, what does God feel like to you? 

Pray
Ask God for wisdom to understand and believe in supernatural occurrences when they happen in your life.

Do
If confused by previous experiences or wondering more, seek out your pastor or other trusted spiritual guide to discuss. 

Think, Pray, Do. As we respond in faith to scripture, God moves in power through our minds, hearts, and bodies. We are the people of God. Thanks for reading today. Go in peace. Amen.

Think, Pray, Do devotionals by Ted Goshorn follow the suggested bible reading plan from his website and book, Prayer Changes Us. Find this Bible reading plan at tedgoshorn.org/biblereading. If you have found today’s devotion helpful, don’t forget to subscribe for daily emails at tedgoshorn.org and share with others that we may think, pray, and do faithfully.