Text - 1 Kings 19:11-13
Do you recognize the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the ordinary routine of your daily life or are you waiting for thrilling opportunities and theatrical experiences to know God is at work?
The spirit of God is not only at work in us on well lit stages or rural mission fields but also in the mundane things and rhythms of our ordinary lives.
Here are some instances:
The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to do the little things joyfully, to embrace our current mission fields, live humbly and satisfied in every situation, bearing witness to God our Father.
The power of the Holy Spirit is at work in us when we choose to do the will of God instead of ours, to obey His prompting with speed instead of ours, make room for godly virtues and confront our shortcomings instead of pursuing the desires of our flesh.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we live joyfully in every circumstance exercising the muscles of gratitude, proclaiming God’s praises, serving cheerfully even when only the eyes of God see us.
Each time our heart breaks, the Holy Spirit comforts us;
As we navigate the labyrinths of life, the Holy Spirit watches over us;
When we get torn between two choices, the Holy Spirit directs us;
When we are weak, frail and weary, the Holy Spirit refreshes us;
When we feel forgotten, the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are not and have never been alone.
There may be little or no dramatic show, revelations or manifestations but even in the quietness of our lives, the Holy Spirit of God is present.
Ordinary does not mean divine inactivity, overt display and manifestations are not mandatory evidences of God’s power at work.
The power of the Holy Spirit can be subtly experienced too, recognized through meditation and a careful glance at God’s word within the frames of time and the opportunities He affords us to be like Him - to love, serve and cater for those around us; to teach and shine light in our immediate community, to impact the one near us rather than chasing hundreds out there, to show forth his grace by the fruits of His Spirit in us.
As the spirit empowers us to be bold, courageous and unrelenting, it also empowers us to be meek, humble, loving, self-controlled, quiet and kind.
Whenever there is a nagging voice insisting the power of the Holy Spirit in your life has to be spectacular, may this remind you that your simple obedience to God’s commands is an evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Dear God, instead of constantly wishing our lives are full of something more dramatic or spectacular, train us to recognize the subtle ways the Holy Spirit is at work in us. May we allow you make our fellowship you into heaven. Amen.