“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” - John 14:18 (NIV).
It is quite normal in many households when the head is about to depart on a certain long journey to leave behind specific instructions. Among these could be bills to clear in his absence or whom to expect to complete certain tasks. Like wise, when Jesus was about to depart he left one specific instruction. “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luke 24:29, NLT).
Fortunately, the disciples obeyed. Finally, the day of Pentecost came and “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2: 4). Subsequently, they began to spread out preaching the Gospel, fulfilling the command in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
The Holy spirit has many roles in the lives of believers, which made it a prerequisite for the disciples departure. One important one that has been noted is that: “The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins and points them to Jesus’ atoning death.” If people come to faith and accept God’s offer of forgiveness, the Spirit testifies that they have received eternal life and are children of God (Romans 8:16). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit leads to conviction wherever believers fall astray and helps them become more holy as they grow in faith. Further, through the Holy Spirit, believers bear fruit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Any vehicle needs to be powered to move out. Likewise the lives of believers need to be powered by the Holy Spirit to proceed wherever. More than that, the Holy spirit is a comforter we cannot do without, bringing cheer to us in difficult moments, just as he also convicts and helps us fall back in line, if we fall astray. “But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you” (John 14:26, ASV).
Today, as you move out, there is one instruction you must hear from the Master, which is pray to receive the Holy Spirit to guide you in all your steps.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that as I start the day you may fill me with your Holy Spirit to lead me into truth and guide me in all my steps, this I pray in Jesus’s name
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
