I love the word EMPOWER! It’s soooo, well, empowering!
Even though we know this world makes almost anything possible, I think we have a tendency to hold ourselves back in one way or another. Maybe we tell ourselves that some things are impossible, or no one would ever
possibly get behind that, or I don’t have time…. Possibly, whatever dreams we may have had while growing up have gotten lost in other endeavors or adventures, the creation of a new path before us, with family, career choices…
possibly get behind that, or I don’t have time…. Possibly, whatever dreams we may have had while growing up have gotten lost in other endeavors or adventures, the creation of a new path before us, with family, career choices…
As we have been studying the Holy Spirit these last few weeks, the word empower seems a fitting word to describe how the third circle in the Trinity can be a part of our lives. The Holy Spirit is often described as an invisible, powerful energy, working in us to help us to
spread God’s goodness in the world. In the Book of John, Jesus tells his followers,
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper
(Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counselor, Strengthener, Standby),
to be with you forever-“
That helper is to be our friend who helps us make decisions, encourages us to live our faith, energizes us and guides us.
The crux of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to understand that the Holy Spirit works for those things which fit into God’s plans. We can’t use the Spirit in order to accomplish our wants. It is by surrender do we experience His power. It is through the Spirit we are blessed to be able to show love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, which all serve to empower us to do the will of God.
Remember how we talked of listening to the Spirit in our life walk and by doing so we will grow in love and knowledge of Christ? When we encourage each other and ourselves to learn and grow in Christ with the help of the Spirit, we are empowered to live life to its fullest
and as close to the path God has for us as possible. The power of the Spirit, through us, feeds us and helps us to carry out the word of Christ, which is for the good of all.
As we continue this study, just through September, let us be continually empowered to do the will of God. Spirit, fill us to walk in God’s love, strengthen us to follow you more closely, give us the courage to trust in you more deeply…. AMEN.
