The Holy Spirit is more Powerful than we could ever Imagine:

I have always believed, like many Christians that one needs to be called in order to serve as a missionary.  There needs to be a special moment, and a special person who will fulfill a calling for mission work or fulfill a ministry.  Sure, I think most people have little callings.  Help in the church, tell your coworker about your relationship with God, and do your little things, but I didn’t always pay attention to how each and every Christian has more power than they could ever think possible.  Yes, I am even talking about myself, and you who are reading who believe in the work Jesus Christ did on the cross.  

Recently, I have been reading a book by a man named J.D Greear called, “Gaining by Losing.”  This book is all about how the churches that gain the most are the ones who send the most people.  This could be sending the people to plant a new church, to start a ministry or service project among their community that also teaches the Gospel, or sends them to a completely new country.  All of this is a part of sending and all of this is important for the spreading of God’s Word and the good news found in knowing Him.  J.D. Greear also takes the time to remind his readers of a very important power amidst those who are followers of Jesus, and this is that they have the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus went up to heaven which was a big moment for many of the disciples.  Think, they just had lost one of their best friends brutally when he died on the cross.  They watched him die in a great amount of suffering.  Then something miraculous happened.  Jesus resurrected from the dead and was able to walk amongst them again.  The disciples were amazed and excited to see him. Then he was going to leave them again. Can you imagine the disciples’ disappointment?   However, he left them with really good news.  He was going to be leaving them with a helper, something to remember him by and can offer assistance and guidance for the rest of their lives.  

The disciples were still probably disappointed.  I would sure be upset.  How could you imagine having to say good-bye to Jesus in sight and person and then accept something that isn’t quite the same as Jesus.  However, Jesus would say this helper is better than if he were just to stay with them.  He told the disciples they would be able to do more work now that they have the helper of the Holy Spirit.  In John chapter 14 verse 26 it says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  This was Jesus’ promise.  He doesn’t want the disciples to be alone, so he makes sure they are given great power. 

Later, in the Bible, we get to see the follow up of the Holy Spirit coming to the disciples.  In Acts chapter 2, the apostles and followers of Jesus were all together on the day of Pentecost when something inexplicable happened,  “And suddenly, there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.  And divided tongues as fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (verses 2-4) They were suddenly filled with the power to speak multiple languages and they were filled with great power.  Then shortly after this, “And at the sound the multitude came together and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.”  (verse 6)

How amazing! Jesus did do as he had promised. He made the disciples with an ability to speak to a great number of people and then through the sound of the power he created, he also brought the people to them to speak about Jesus and his Gospel.  How easy the Holy Spirit made completing the Great Commission!  The Holy Spirit also wants to do this great power with all of us.  Greear describes this perfectly in his book.  “This means ordinary people-people with problems and faults and stubborn habits and personal weaknesses-can be used mightily in the mission of God, because it’s not about their abilities to do things for God, but about his ability to work through them. (J.D. Greear, Gaining by Losing, page 104)

Have you ever thought about how with the Holy Spirit, we as people have become more equipped to spread the Gospel?  I have, every once in a while.  But I will be honest that most of the time I think of the Holy Spirit as a good conscience.  I think of it more as the good angel on my shoulder leading me away from the bad devil who wants me to make the bad decisions.  I think of the Holy Spirit as a good leading guide against the bad thoughts I have or against the people who are aggravating me or the strong desire to do the wrong thing.  While the Holy Spirit does do all of this, it is capable of so much more. 

This can be both inspirational while also being intimidating.  It can be amazing to imagine the power we have through Jesus Christ inside of us.  However, it can also be scary to imagine the callings and the capabilities we have.  My challenge for you this week is to spend deep time in prayer.  I want you to spend time trying to find more voice in your holy spirit.  Ask God to have the Holy Spirit become more and more prevalent and present in your life to complete the work He wants for you to do.  I hope you are amazed by what is revealed the Holy Spirit is capable of in your life.