After Jesus was resurrected, he told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would lead and comfort them. Even though he would no longer be physically present, believers would not be left to fend for themselves. Jesus even promises that the disciples would do even greater works than he did.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. John 14:12
In spite of Jesus’ promises, believers may not be living with all the power and support that’s available through the Holy Spirit. We can’t control the Holy Spirit by following a formula, but the Bible teaches that the Spirit is a person we can relate to. The Holy Spirit is not a mysterious or unpredictable force.
Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit is available to us if we obey Him:
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching….” John 14:23-24
That’s a great promise, but how in the world do we achieve obedience? Fortunately for believers, Jesus even promises that the Holy Spirit will help us develop the kind of character we need to be obedient. I’ve always loved that the Holy Spirit can create a wonderful character in us. We can live a life of love freely in the power of the Spirit, and not be burdened by the requirements of the law.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24
Who wouldn’t want to have this kind of joyful and stable character?
Learning to live in the power of the Holy Spirit is a process. We need to expect that walking in the way of Jesus will also be a process. Accepting Jesus is a beginning, but we need time to grow and mature. Fortunately, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be our advocate; He will plead our case, similar to a lawyer who pleads our case in a court.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth…. John 14:16-17
While we might be tempted to condemn ourselves or feel vulnerable to others’ criticism, we can know that the Holy Spirit understands everything and is advocating for us.
I had a new reminder of this just today. Yesterday my thoughts were getting wound around what I was hoping for, and I knew I was letting them drift. Just my thoughts, not my actions. My younger self would have been shocked — Shocked! — and I would have been really hard on myself. That makes everything worse. Instead, I chose to recognize what was going on and told the Holy Spirit, thanks for your mercy. Thanks that Jesus was human and thank you that he understands our weakness. Thank you that God welcomes me back with joy. Thank you for not condemning me.
While having the Holy Spirit’s presence and power is a wonderful promise for believers, we can over complicate matters. We need to remember the Holy Spirit can give us peace in any circumstance.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Living in that peace looks like this in my life: I wake up and say, “Holy Spirit, lead me today where you want. I’m open to whatever you have for me.” Then I leave that prayer with God and get about my day without overthinking things. This is a wonderful way to live.
How do you welcome the Spirit’s leading in your life?
by Sherry Sommer
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