Acts 22:17 – “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance.
“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance.” We have seen both Peter (Acts 10, 11:5) and Paul (Acts 22:17) go into a trance. It is something that is biblical, and not out of the realm of possibility for us, though certainly not a common, or usual event. When Peter and Paul went into a trance, they were both in deep prayer seeking God. They were alone and focused on and praying to God. The word itself “ekstasis” is a Greek word speaking of a preternatural, or supernatural event. We may conclude that it is a condition that has come from God and is determined by God. We should not seek to be in a trance. That is not what we are called to do. We are called to earnestly and passionately seek God in the Word and in prayer. When we do that, then God may want to show us, or tell us something beyond the normal, but not outside of His Word. He may then put us in a condition that separates us from our normal consciousness and into a place away from the thoughts of the world and instead beautifully focused on Him and alone with Him. There He can give us a message that is clear and unforgettable. He puts what He wants to impart into our minds to remain. This can happen in a trance, but He is also fully capable of imparting to us without a trance. In fact, especially in the western world, He rarely has us be in a trance. Again, we should not seek to be in a trance, instead we should seek God. He, who knows what is needed, knows how to communicate, how to speak to us in clear ways for us to understand and remember. A trance is something God decides is necessary or not necessary. Besides, cults, witchcraft and demon religions practice such things to seek entrance into the spirit world. Jesus is all we need to be in the Spirit and to have His will revealed to us. Seeking to be in a trance of our own efforts can be very dangerous. We, as believers are best in the will of God to seek Him with all our hearts, with all that we are, and He is fully able to reveal His Word, and Himself to us without having us be in a trance (Jeremiah 29:13). Family, do not seek to be in a trance. We should be seeking God Himself and not experiences. Endeavor to be praying in spirit, led by the Spirit, and that is where God meets us. Trust God, He is so good to us!
Praise God who desires to reveal Himself to us. How God reveals Himself to us is through Jesus. (Matthew 11:27, Colossians 1:15-20) So if we want to know God more completely than we must know Jesus more completely. The Holy Spirit is given to us to lead us to Jesus. (John 16:12-15) God loves us. (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-11) He is good. (1 Peter 2:21-22, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5) And He has given everything we need for our salvation and to keep us (2 Peter 1:3). Praise God! Trust God! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”