Did you know that the Creator of the universe lives in you? As believers, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. So we can do great work by the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us!
We were given the Holy Spirit by God who lives in us. Like Jesus and apostle Paul, we should rely on the power of the Holy Spirit when explaining spiritual truths. My hope is that the words written in my posts are from the Holy Spirit and not just my own thoughts.
The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts to help each other. During my college years, I attended several retreats, workshops, and even Bible studies that included a test to discover which spiritual gifts I was given. Every test told me something different, probably because it was taken at different times in my life. I remember one test that claimed I had the gift of encouragement. Another test said I had the gift of giving and another one surprised me with the result of the gift of mercy.
Without taking any tests again, I would say I have the gift of great faith because when my brother drowned the year my son was born, I still believed God was good and worthy of worship. Looking back, I didn’t pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how to help those who were grieving. I’m still learning more about these spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit who distributes them.
Jesus said that anyone who believes in Him will do even greater works than He did because He was going to be with His Father and so He will give us His Spirit, who will never leave us. The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, encourager, and counselor. The gifts of the Spirit are to help us continue the work that Jesus started, which is to share the Good News to everyone.
I remember the first time I shared my faith with a colleague at work. I couldn’t believe the opportunity came up and I had the courage to share. It had to be the Holy Spirit arranging the situation, giving me the words to say, and the peace that was upon me during the conversation. I would like to say that these experiences happened a lot, but back then, I did too much thinking and not much doing.
The Holy Spirit also provides us with a sword, the word of God, and helps us to use it. Reading the Bible daily and memorizing verses are ways to train on how to use the sword of the Spirit so that we can stand our ground.
So with the help of the Holy Spirit empowering us, we can accomplish more than Jesus’ 3 years of ministry. By using the spiritual gifts given to us, we can glorify God and tell more people about Jesus.
Prayer
Dear God in heaven,
Thank you for sending us Your Holy Spirit to give us the power to be successful in the purpose and plan You gave us. We know that You don’t need us to accomplish Your plan, but You allow us to be a useful vessel. Help us to be a willing partner for your glory.
In Your Son’s name, Amen
Verses
Romans 8:11; 12:6-8
Acts 1:8
Philippians 4:13
John 14:12,16; 15:26
1 Corinthians 6:19; 2:4,5; 12:7-11
Ephesians 6:17
Hebrews 4:12
Titus 3:5
Song
Call to action
If you have already prayed, read the verses, and listened to the suggested song, then think back on your life since you became a believer and see any patterns that could reveal your spiritual gift.