If we are not careful, chaos will drive us to carnal reasoning and the resultant carnal response. The best defense is a good offense. Our best offense against the wiles of our carnal mind is the process of faith. That process is dependent on an intimate relationship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:10

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

As a bit of a side note, it is interesting that the door of intimacy with the Lord opens both ways. He desires our intimacy like a groom for his bride. Truly, nothing but our reluctance stands in the way.

Recognizing that intimacy requires conversation, let me suggest three conversation starters:

Lord, what are you saying?

Lord, what are you doing?

Lord, what are you after?

There is an assumption behind these questions: God is after something; He is trying to do something to get what He is after, and; He is willing to tell us all that we need to know. God is using this season of chaos (like so many others) to prepare His children for a season of opportunity that is likely beyond our imagination.

It is critically important to recognize that our carnal mind will try to jump in and answer these questions. Barring that, it will work to distract us from hearing and disprove what we hear. This requires practiced discipline – namely, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and not depending on carnal weapons to make sense of what we hear (2Corinthians 10:4-5).

As I have pursued this line of thinking with the Lord, He has pointed out several chapters of the Bible and a couple of themes that support our conversation with Him during times of chaos and transition. They are:

• Isaiah 58
• John 17
• Romans 12
• Revelation 2 and 3
• Becoming a disciple to make disciples
• Foundation inspection and fortification
• Recovering what God lost in mankind’s rebellion (reign, intimacy, and habitation)

I think we will cover each of these in the weeks to come (as the Lord directs, of course). Please let me know if God leads you to others. Who knows, there may be a book or teaching series in this.

One last thing: There is no better time to disciple others than during chaos. People want answers for the disruptions in their lives and/or they recognize the significance of God’s sovereignty in creating or allowing the chaos. So, please also note that this line of questioning will help those you are discipling to grow in their dependence on, and intimacy with, the Lord.

God bless you with time and attention to hear His voice and word.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob