Life, when we are alone, becomes overwhelming! The Teacher wrote that "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT) Sometimes the best of friends fail us, however. There are situations where it really does seem that no one understands, no one is available to take our side.
Disciples are never alone! On the night before He went to the Cross, Jesus had a heart to heart talk with His disciples. He told me He was leaving them. He warned them that the world would turn on them, hating them even when they were good because they wouldn’t fit in. Then He promised, "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7, NIV) The Holy Spirit is always with us, advocating for us, and working through us. He’s on our side! Despite being hated by the world, we need not feel abandoned or afraid. He is not a passive Friend, quietly standing in the shadows, either. Here’s what the Lord says about the Spirit’s work. "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16:8, NIV)
What we cannot do by our own strength, He will do. Ever tried to ‘guilt’ an unbeliever? They can justify themselves, comparing their lives to somebody worse off than they are- and there is always somebody worse! The Holy Spirit, however, can bring real conviction of sin that is inescapable and inexcusable. Ever tried to tell an unbeliever that righteousness is a desirable choice? “Yeah,” they say, “and diets are fun, too!” Sin is pleasurable, ‘for a season.’ But the Spirit can reveal the joy of serving God, the deep sense of purpose that is found in loving Him. Ever tried to make somebody see coming judgment? Like Annie they’ll sing, “Tomorrow, tomorrow; I love you tomorrow, you’re only a day away.” Judgment will never come, or so they think. But the Holy Spirit can peel away the deception and let them sense the reality of God’s pending judgment.
I am so thankful for the Comfort of the Spirit, but I am equally thankful that He is a powerful Agent of Change in the world. I want to be on His side, trusting Him, praying for His power to be brought to bear on those around me who need a Savior, a transforming experience, a new life! Disciple, don’t try to ‘go it alone.’ The work of God can never be done with intellectual ability, with great financial resources, through intricate organization alone! All of those things are good and, if put into God’s service, useful but the real power belongs to the Spirit.
Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that the Spirit would also remain powerfully at work in them, too. Two words stand out- Truth and Glory! "When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (John 16:13-15, NIV)
Are you feeling incapable, alone, ineffective, like a reject?
Stop! Meditate on this prayer and make it yours.
Let God be God; around you and in you!
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:17-21, NIV)
____________
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Fill me with Your power,
Satisfy my needs.
Only You can make me whole,
Give me strength to make me grow.
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.
Fall afresh on me.
Come, Holy Spirit
Malcolm Fletcher © 1986, 1994 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055
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