DISCERNING THE SPIRIT REALM - by Susan Fochler

As we have continued our journey through 2 Corinthians, I feel like I have gotten to know Paul better.  He has such passionate love for both Jesus and the church!  It is Paul’s great desire that the fledgling Corinthian church continues to be pure and growing in their love for God.  He also encourages them to develop discernment in order to avoid the influenced of false teachers who would pull them back into legalism and works.  Paul’s is reminding them of the central theme of the gospel: to intimately know and draw life from “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”, the foundational truth of our spiritual lives.  (1 Cor 2:2).  In this context, Paul shares how he had a spiritual experience years ago that was so profound, he is neither able or permitted to share the specifics.  He shares this story not to glorify himself, but to help legitimize his standing as one who presents the truth of Christ, in contrast to those who are criticizing him and bringing false teaching.  He is also letting them know how real such spiritual experiences are, and given by grace and not based on our effort.  We are living natural lives as supernatural beings, so supernatural experiences are to be expected.  It’s important to remember, in whatever way God has gifted us to experience the spiritual realm, it is just that, a gift.  In His kindness He has given us abilities to access His Kingdom, as He loves us and wants to partner with us in doing so.  It is through these gifts we access and recognize the Kingdom of Heaven, and make it real on earth.  And each of us experiences the supernatural realm in our own unique way.  Some of use primarily see or hear in the spirit, others feel emotions or sensations, still others just “know” something that God is communicating to them.  Or any combination of these and other senses.  We are encouraged to “train our spiritual senses by practice”.  (Hebrews 5:14).  How do we do that?  I think the most important way I’ve found to grow my spiritual awareness is to remind myself to keep my heart soft and open, and keep asking God questions, even if I think I already know the answer.  I probably don’t.  And to remain like a child, curious, playful and teachable.  When I am able to enter into that space I enter into an unhurried realm where my spirit takes the lead and I see things with new eyes.  The reasoning part of my mind is prone to dismiss such subtleties; but such are often the entryway into the Kingdom. And here’s a thought to ponder from C.S. Lewis:  “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Indeed, we were all made for heaven, our home.  But until we fully arrive there, we will continue to learn how to bring heaven here, on earth.  And each one of us can do that, in our own one-of-a-kind created-by-God way. Love, Pastor Susan