A couple of months ago, I wanted to replace the top on my Miata. I knew that the job was close to impossible for me alone but I have a friend who is a genius at that kind of thing. Jacob consented to be the lead guy on the job which we tackled one day in his garage. After about 6 hours of work, real work, my car had a new convertible top that looks great! Most tasks are like that, aren’t they? They just go better when the work is shared, when there is someone present who knows how to accomplish the task.
Are you attempting to live the Christian life with
determination, attempting to do the impossible on your own? Let me remind you that the Way is impossible by
yourself BUT there is a Promised One who lives in us, making us what we can
never be on our own. The night before He
went to the Cross, Jesus sat with His friend for a long conversation that is
recorded by John. Jesus told them He was going to leave them but that they
would not be ‘orphaned.’
"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
Spirit is our “Comforter, Friend, Counselor, Advocate, and Helper."
The word Jesus used to name the Spirit – Parakletos - was one
used to describe a person who supplied the kind of support that I had in Jacob
when we put on that new car top. A “paraclete” was a friend, coach, and
advocate!
The secret of the joyful Christian life is the Spirit
Life in us. When we make the Gospel into commandments, or a system of
ethics, or a moral law, or liturgical worship, we become frustrated by our
inabilities. Yes, Christians will worship, be ethical, live with a high set of
morals but as a result of the inner life of the Spirit not as the result of
their own rigid will.
The late
Eugene Peterson writes that ‘there is not a whole lot we can do here, any more
than we can pitch in and work on the Cosmos or assist Jesus in salvation. But, there
is a great deal that the Spirit will do; the Resurrection Community is the
Spirit’s work. What we can do and need to do is this – be there to
accept what is sent by the Father in Jesus’ Name. Be there, receptive
and obedient. Be there, praying’ making yourself available to Him. Memorize this promise that Jesus made - "I
will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you
forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither
sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in
you." (John 14:16-17, NIV)
When you sense yourself failing, or when you face the
calling to some place of service or growth that appears to be impossible – breath
in the life of the Spirit. Look away from yourself and thank God for the One
who is not just with us, but who lives IN US. Who is so broken that you have no words? Who is mired deeply in sin and/or dysfunction
so that you could conclude they are beyond redemption?
Remember, God, the Spirit, is our Source, our
Wisdom, our Power. He is 'on call'
24/7! If we are solely focused on our
abilities and resources - if we think we
can do spiritual work with natural talents or abilities – we are destined to be
ineffective, frustrated, and failing.
Today, invite God to take the lead, to show you just how He can take your unique experiences, your personality, your situation and make you an effective ambassador of His kingdom: in your home, your school, your place of work, your extended family, and in your church. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you, to renew you. You are a Gifted Child of God. When you live in Him, you will find joy for the journey.
The word from the Word is rich in promise. "But when
the Father sends the Counselor as my representative—and by the Counselor I mean
the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything
I myself have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled
or afraid." (John 14:26-27, NLT) Ah, Spirit of God, find me open to Your
Presence, receptive to Your guidance, and ready to be Your home. Amen.
(Video of this blog at this link)
____________________
Holy Spirit faithful guide
Ever near the Christian's side
Gently lead us by the hand
Pilgrims in a desert land
Weary souls fore'er rejoice
While they hear that sweetest voice
Whisp'ring softly wand'rer come
Follow Me I'll guide Thee home
Ever present truest Friend
Ever near Thine aid to lend
Leave us not to doubt and fear
Groping on in darkness drear
When the storms are ragging sore
Hearts grow faint and hopes give o'er
Whisper softly wande'rer come
Follow Me I'll guide thee home
When our days of toil shall cease
Waiting still for sweet release
Nothing left but heav'n and prayer
Wond'ring if our names were there
Wading deep the dismal flood
Pleading naught but Jesus' blood
Whisper softly wand'rer come
Follow Me I'll guide Thee home
Marcus Morris Wells
Public Domain
No comments:
Post a Comment