The Spirit as God's Gracious Provider

Jenn Blackston

jennifer.mcgarvey@mailbox.ciu.edu

1-20-11

When Jesus was meeting with his disciples in his last days before his death, he promised to leave them a Counselor to be with them always. It was like dropping a bomb shell on the disciples to tell them that Christ would no longer be with them. He allowed them to wrestle with the concept of having to live for Jesus without him being physically present. The disciples cannot live for Christ on their own and neither can we today. There are so many blessings that are given us through the working of the Holy Spirit. The article lists several, which I will include below:

1. His constant, personal, powerful indwelling presence.

2. Being marked by the Spirit; identified as God's children.

3. Granted the authority to freely make requests of the Father in his name.

4. Going to the ends of the earth and yet quickly recognizing and bonding with other Christ followers in an unexplainable unity that is similar to the oneness of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

5. Sparks of creative illumination in their minds as humble followers seek his wisdom, involvement in and discernment to solve problems and face challenges.

6. A whole array of grace fueled gifts entrusted to every believer giving them a contribution to God's cause and the welfare of their spiritual community.

7. A taste of their inheritance that they will anticipate enjoying with him at his return.

I so appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, but I struggle with yielding and trusting more often than I would like to admit. I love that He is always with us and that he both encourages and convicts us. My prayer is that I will become more and more sensitive to the Spirit's leading and that I will be trust more deeply.