That's Just Not for Me

    The Pentecost experience!  I wonder if the apostles only knew what was going to happen to them when the Holy Spirit came upon them, if they would have been so long in prayer, waiting as they were told to do?   If they had known how radically their lives were going to be changed and how deep of a zeal and desire they would be given to share with everyone the GOOD NEWS -----would they have persisted in waiting?   Or could they like us have said---"got things to do and those charisms or gifts of the Holy Spirit--just not for me."
   This comment has been heard by me many times when I invite someone to a 'yearly conference' where the Holy Spirit, like on Pentecost, does come on down!  The power of God comes as the praise and worship goes up.  People's  lives are touched and changed and HEALINGS both emotional and physical occur.   Teachings are heard and stories shared of how God has touched people and led them to new lives when they heard His Word and obeyed.   Their faith is deepened and their love for the Mass and the Sacraments become a Covenant type LOVE ---where they know that God is Present and available at all times in His Church.  And, you realize the same is true no matter where you walk, who you meet or what circumstances you find yourself in---You know He is and you are very aware of His Presence.
    But maybe what the keeps you away is that style of praise and worship and the praying in tongues or singing in tongues makes you uncomfortable.  Maybe, even. being surrounded by TOO MANY HAPPY PEOPLE can be irritating as this may trigger some deep hurts, confusion, doubts or experiences from the past that has you hesitant to believe these folks are really for real.  I get that.   For I have seen fake smiles and insincere people who are just trying to sell what they are hoping you will buy. 
   And then there is the fear of 'WHAT will people think of me, or What will God being doing next or expecting of me?"   Sometimes we can be too comfortable with our life and faith walk---that we are content with the way things are--and Pentecost/ the Holy Spirit working in my life---'Well that is just not for me.'  I get that too, for CHANGE can be very uncomfortable and even scary/
   Like I said I wonder if the apostles knew what was going to happen---would they have been like sheep and waited and prayed those days away until He came like tongues of fire!  Heating them up, filling them with such great joy that they heard comments like this--"ARE THEY DRUNK!" 
  Oh one final thought---"Where would we be today---if they had not waited and prayed?"
    Maybe the next time someone invites you or God calls you to go to that Charismatic prayer group or conference---don't be too quick to say---"No thank you --that is not for me."