Inspiration is defined in various ways - as a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify them to receive and communicate sacred revelation - as an act of influencing or suggesting opinions - the action of drawing in such as breathing - or the state of being inspired. Inspire is taken from the Latin - to breathe or take in. In its most common use - inspiration suggests that an individual develops and idea from an outside force or stimulus. Perhaps when working on a project - a person who is unable to find a solution or answer finds themselves at a stalemate - a road block. They are unable to move forward - experience great difficulty in attaining their goal. Then in a sudden moment - the answer is given to them - revealed to them by a word or action unrelated to the project which helps them see the solution to the problem. We say that they were inspired by this outside force - the problem solved - the project completed. All of us rely on inspiring moments in our lives to keep us moving forward.
When a person moves forward in their spiritual development - we say that they were inspired by God - that they "breathed in the Holy Spirit". It is not unusual for ordinary people to suddenly become more fervent in their faith - it happens all the time. Through concentrated prayer - fasting - meditation - they are able to empty themselves of worldly concerns and open themselves to the presence of God in their lives. Each of us is called by God to a deeper relationship with Him - the author of life. We are asked to not only acknowledge His existence but to develop a relationship with Him - a relationship that grows daily as we seek meaning and purpose in our life. For everyone this is possible - it is not reserved only for spiritual leaders - but for followers as well. Prayer is the answer - in prayer you will be inspired.
Deacon Dale
Deacon Dale
