(5) THE SPIRIT ENABLES GOD’S WORK THROUGH US

The baptism of Jesus marks the start of His public ministry and it is no coincidence that it begins with His receiving the empowering of the Holy Spirit in His humanity.  Jesus performed all His ministry and miracles in dependence on the Holy Spirit.  And following the completion of His ministry on earth and just prior to His ascension back to heaven, Jesus told His disciples: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  We too depend on the Spirit’s enabling and empowering to seek to expand the kingdom of Christ on earth.  Part of His empowering and enabling are the gifts of the Spirit, which are intended to be used for strengthening the church and spreading the gospel. 

The empowering of the Holy Spirit is good news for all you activists who just want to get out there and make a difference for Christ and His kingdom.  But it is also a challenge for those of us who like to play things safe, to not take risks, to keep things under control.  This is a very real temptation for me!  I’m deeply challenged by Francis Chan’s reflection:

“I don’t want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit. I want people to look at my life and know that I couldn’t be doing this by my own power. I want to live in such a way that I am desperate for Him to come through. That if He doesn’t come through, I am screwed.”

So as you discover the gifts and passions the Spirit has planted within you, don’t let your fears or inadequacies stop you from stepping out in faith into the opportunities He gives you to serve and speak in Jesus’ name – He will supply the power and help you need!