The Power of the Holy Spirit Within Us
In John 14:26, Jesus states that the Father will send the Holy Spirit "in My name" to teach disciples "all things" and remind them of His teachings. Additionally, in John 16:13, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" who will guide believers "into all the truth." This guidance involves speaking only what is heard from God and declaring future events, ensuring that the apostles and the early church are led in truth to fulfill their mission.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed:"
Acts 1:8 emphasizes empowerment for witness: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
John 14:12 emphasizes expanded ministry scope: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater things than these he will do, because I am going to the Father.
As Christ followers, we have accepted Christ as our savior and received the Holy Spirit, as promised. Consequently, we have the same Holy Spirit power as Christ had when He walked the earth. I think that concept is difficult to grasp completely, but if we start to pay attention to God's work in us and through us, we will become more aware and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Here is one modern day example. At one point, my husband John, was a missionary to the people in a village that was 400 miles in the bush in Africa. He was in charge of the infirmary and people from surrounding villages would come to his village, where the chief was, to receive help. The only problem was that there were no supplies in the infirmary. As a result, when people came, all John could do was to pray. John was powerless to do anything in his own strength, but (paraphrasing 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) when we are weak, He is strong. Also, in Luke 18:27, Jesus said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."
It was during this season of his life that John really internalized the concept of the Holy Spirit moving through us. During his time in Africa, he saw many miracles. His conclusion was that he was the vehicle the Holy Spirit used to minister to the people. The Holy Spirit abides in us. According to John, we just need to show up and He will do the work.
When he came home, oftentimes, John would feel the urge to go somewhere - whether to go to Wal Mart to get fishing gear or to go to the hospital to pray for someone. He would act on that urge and inevitably, he would meet someone for the Holy Spirit to touch. John showed up and the Holy Spirit spoke. Like John, as we go, we should expect the Holy Spirit to do something extraordinary. He will not leave us disappointed because God can do anything but fail.
Mother Teresa said it in another way. She said, "I am the pencil in the hand of God."
My challenges to all of us are these: Can we set our own agendas aside enough to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us? Can we be more intentional to seek the Lord and follow His lead?
As we begin to do so, I believe that we will be amazed and blessed to see what the Lord can and will do.
God bless you this week in all your endeavors.
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