You have probably heard it said the Holy Spirit is like a cloud; a fog; a ghost or even a wind. As we all know, it is as hard to explain what or who the Holy Spirit is as it is to explain what wind is. Obviously, the wind is something we cannot see, But, we can feel the wind so that leads us to try to explain it by talking about the effects of the wind and what it does all around us. I have spent many fun-filled hours in wind-related activities such as: sailing boats, flying airplanes and soaring in hang gliders. As a result, I have become quite familiar with the effects of the wind. I know many of the ways the wind can affect whatever vehicle Im in. Of course, it is always up to me as the one who is in control of the boat or plane to adjust the sails or wings properly to make the best, most practical and safest use of that wind. I must, through training and experience, learn to make that unseen and uncontrollable wind became my servant. When I feel the wind on my face, I know it is there and I know in which direction it is blowing. The wind can be soft and gentle or it can be wild, and strong! Then, it is up to me to learn what the wind is telling me so I will always be the one who is in control of the airplane or sailboat I am in. Thats when I have to make a choice: I can either fight the wind or yield to it. When I try to fight the wind, it does not work. I never win that battle. But, when I relax and go with the flow, Ive found I can; always find ways to make progress toward my goal. For example, when in flight, in a light aircraft, in a strong, rough and bumpy wind, I will choose to head my fragile airplane to the sanctuary and safety a nearby airport. Or, when in a sailboat in stormy winds and rough seas, I will steer toward a protected harbor where I can drop my anchor and know Ill be safe. In these ways I find I take control of the effects of the wind but I can never actually control the wind. As Christians, we sometimes try to explain the Holy Spirit as being a person who lives in us where he affects our lives much like the invisible wind. (See Acts: at Pentecost the Holy Spirit came in the form of a wind). Like the wind, we are made aware of the Holy Spirits presence in us because of the effect he has on us. As we know, from Scripture, the Holy Spirits purpose is to live inside of those who believe in Jesus. This is so Gods character which includes: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control are produced in the lives of all believers. (Gal. 5:22-23). As Christians we do not have to try to achieve these characteristics on our own, because the Holy Spirit suggests them to our hearts. Also, as believers, we agree and place our trust in what the Holy Spirit advises. The result is that our spiritual growth is improved as we find ourselves walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). As I said before, over a lifetime, Ive learned the many ways I could make the wind work for my benefit. This experience has given me a better understanding of how the invisible wind of the Holy Spirit can guide my heart and mind. Experience has also taught me I cannot control the wind of the Holy Spirit any more than I can control the natural winds of this world. The benefit to me is that the wind of the Holy Spirit is constantly guiding, directing, and doing a work in me, so that, what I do, the way I live, is what God wants. But what about the non-Christians out there? Again, the uncontrollable Holy Spirit can be like a wind that also gently nudges the hearts and minds of all non-Christians. The Spirit offers them those same benefits: a new born again life of forgiveness with Jesus. (John 16:8-11). This gentle persuasion is done so these non-believers will feel welcomed and hopefully -- have a desire to understand the Scripture that says to them: greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (Rom. 8). When there is wind, we know it is there because we see what it does. In the same way, with our faith and trust in God, we can live our lives with the expectation that we will experience the good effects of the wind of the Holy Spirit who lives in each believer. Finally, when we relinquish our attempts to control the uncontrollable wind of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. then, and only then, will he become -- our guide. Terry L. Weber http://www.crafty-ones.com/web/viewproduct.asp?prodID=1244 http://www.yrret.stirsite.com/page/page/3455602.htm |
Main Page
