Day 23 - There’s Power in the Spirit

The Spirit gives us the power to witness for God to the ends of the earth. He equips us with the strength we need to accomplish God’s purposes.
Have you ever heard someone described as “book smart” versus “common sense smart?” Even if you haven’t, those phrases are pretty self-explanatory.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the “foolishness of the wisdom” of the world. What does this paradox mean to us? Our society today worships power and money and affluence. And yet Jesus came to us as a meek, humble, poor servant. He offers salvation to those who believe.

Have you noticed how often our faith in God is mocked or scorned in media? What are some things you’ve heard or seen that portray faith as less intellectual or even ignorant?

But Paul assures us that skill and wisdom won’t get us into His kingdom, but simple faith does. Who can brag about simple faith? No one. We can never do enough to earn our way into heaven. Salvation is totally from God through the death of His Son, Jesus.

Paul was actually very intelligent. Yet he shared the simple message of Jesus Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide his words. In the same way, the Holy Spirit will give power to our words and use them to bring glory to Jesus. Paul’s confidence was in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit was helping and guiding him. Oh, he didn’t just open his mouth and let words fall out. He combined studying God’s Word and preparation with his reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide his words.

Any sailing enthusiast will tell you that if there is no wind...you just sit there in the water. The Spirit gives us the power and the strength we need to accomplish what God would have us to accomplish. If there is no Spirit present in our life…well, we don’t accomplish anything. But sailors also know that even a great wind will not move the boat without setting the sail to catch the wind.

Are you willing to open your sail directly to the Holy Spirit?

Have you ever just “sat there in the water” because you didn’t tap into the Spirit? When was that? How could you have done that differently?