In the dynamic journey of faith, there is a profound force at work within us, not merely guiding and comforting, but actively empowering and sustaining us—the Holy Spirit. This divine Helper, promised by Jesus, is the same Spirit that empowered Christ…
In the dynamic journey of faith, there is a profound force at work within us, not merely guiding and comforting, but actively empowering and sustaining us—the Holy Spirit. This divine Helper, promised by Jesus, is the same Spirit that empowered Christ to perform miracles, teach with authority, and ultimately overcome death. Understanding and embracing the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives can transform how we live, how we serve, and how we face the challenges of daily life.
It is, after all, the power of God working in and through us. How could that NOT change our lives?
Jesus and the Promise of the Holy Spirit
Doesn't it seem a little "out there" to think of ourselves as being filled with the power of God, the same power that Jesus called upon? But Jesus Himself makes this promise to His disciples—a promise that extends to you and me as well:
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
In this passage, Jesus is explaining that the coming of the Holy Spirit will empower His followers (which includes all of us) to extend His work on earth, and that through the Spirit's power, they (and we) will be able to accomplish even more than what was seen in His own ministry. This promise previews the profound impact and expansive reach that the disciples would have through the Holy Spirit's enabling, continuing Jesus' mission across the globe and through the ages.
Then, right before Jesus ascends to heaven, He reiterates the promise of the Holy Spirit:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you".
Jesus always means what He says. And if He repeats something, it's because He wants to ensure we understand the importance of His point.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Early Church
The book of Acts provides numerous examples of how the Holy Spirit empowered the early Christians. At Pentecost, the apostles received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4), a powerful sign that God's presence and power were indeed available to all believers. The Holy Spirit also gave the early Christians the boldness to preach, despite persecution, and the wisdom to handle complex situations in the fledgling church.
The Holy Spirit in Our Lives Today
In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul reminds them, and us by extension:
This truth is staggering when we pause to consider its implications. It means that the same power—yes, the very same— that enabled Jesus to walk on water, heal the lepers, and feed the thousands, is at work in us today. This power is not just for overcoming life's challenges but for transforming us from the inside out, enabling us to change our world through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Holy Spirit continues to work miracles great and small in and through followers of Christ.
I used to be angry a lot, judgmental, and prideful. Although I am of course far from perfect, I believe the Holy Spirit has replaced much of that garbage in my way of being with many of the fruits of the Spirit I listed above from Galatians.
And when I screw up, acknowledge my mistake, and ask for forgiveness, He helps me to do a little bit better the next time. Like Michelangelo sculpting David, the Spirit is slowly but surely chipping away all the extra stuff that's not supposed to be part of me. He is shaping me into a better person, and maybe in some small way, that will help advance the Kingdom of Heaven on this earth.
And with more and more of us allowing the Spirit to work in and through us, we are gradually overcoming the dark forces of this world, regardless of how it may seem otherwise on the 7:00 news.
Accessing the Power of the Holy Spirit
How can we tap into this incredible power? Here are a few ideas:
Live Like Jesus's Promise Is True: Faith unlocks the potential of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. We must believe that Jesus means what He says about the Holy Spirit's power and presence.
Seek the Filling of the Spirit: Ephesians 5:18 instructs us to "be filled with the Spirit." Regularly asking God to fill us with His Spirit should be an integral part of our spiritual routine. As I've mentioned before, I've adopted the habit described by the pastor at my previous church (Brady Boyd at New Life Church) of starting each day with the simple prayer, "Come, Holy Spirit." I've also added, "Fill this day. Fill me. Guide me, step by step, moment by moment, through this day in trusting dependence on You." I do this first thing, before I look at my phone, before my feet hit the floor.
Obey the Promptings of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit often guides us in subtle ways, nudging us toward acts of kindness, prompting us to speak truth out of love, or encouraging us to turn away from sin. Obedience to these promptings cultivates a deeper relationship with the Spirit.
Pray for Empowerment: Just as the apostles did, we should continually ask for the Holy Spirit's power to witness, serve, and live in a way that glorifies God. James 4:2 tells us, "You do not have because you do not ask God."
Practice Gratitude: When the Holy Spirit comes through for you in response to your actions above, as He does frequently throughout the day, take a moment to acknowledge that and thank Him for it. Not only will this develop your conversational intimacy with the power of God within you, it will help you realize how much He is working within you and through you. This is how you can find joy even in the smallest blessings.
Jesus modeled these behaviors for us. In spite of having so much to do and so little time in which to do it, He frequently separated Himself from the bustle of His frenzied life to reconnect with the True Source of His power.
Conclusion: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Power
The Holy Spirit is not a distant or abstract force; He is God's presence within us, sustaining, guiding, and empowering us to live lives that reflect the love and power of Christ. As we learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, we find that we are not walking through this world alone but are carried and upheld by the very power of God. We should embrace this gift with the seriousness and joy it deserves, trusting that as we do, the Holy Spirit will transform us and work through us in ways we can hardly imagine.
Buckle up and hold on tight! This will be the ride of your life.
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