For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect towards him, so that he can show his great power in helping them. 2 Chronicles 117:17
Years ago I attended a retreat, and 2 Chronicles 17:17 was the theme. God is looking far and wide for hearts yielded to Him so that His great power would be demonstrated in the life of those fully dedicated to Him. What a concept to grasp!
Scripture teaches us that on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelled the believers gathered in the upper room
(Acts 2:1-4). They were supernaturally given the ability to speak in languages they didn't know. Because of that God given gift, many people who had gathered in Jerusalem were able to actually hear the Good News for the first time in their native tongue (verse 11). It was a miracle of God's eyes resting on those people, and He used it to birth the Early Church.
Every believer since that day has had the Holy Spirit living in them when they receive Jesus as their Savior. The Third Person of the Trinity takes up residence in their heart. The question then becomes whether or not the whole heart is yielded to Him. Remember that God knows each one's heart condition, and He seeks those fully devoted followers to show His might and power to this hurting world.
At that retreat, the speaker made the point of asking us if the Lord's eyes stopped when He saw us. Were we willing to count the cost and say, "Yes, Lord" to what He wants us to do? Did we want to be a showcase of His great love, kindness, mercy, and grace to our own world?
I ask you those same questions today. Are you willing to yield 100% of your heart to the Savior so that His eyes don't pass you by as they sweep across the land? Remember that His plan is to use you to bring glory to His name and draw the lost to the Savior. You can be instrumental in showing seekers the way, the truth, and the life, because it's by His power you are enabled (Acts 1:8).
Written by: Lois Dahlstrom