No Turning BackSample

Before we continue, I want to acknowledge that the infinite majesty of God—Father, Son, and Spirit—can never be described in full by any human, let alone me. Does that mean we shouldn’t even try? As the apostle Paul might say, “By no means!” We are called to press into deeper knowledge of and love for God in the midst of our human limitations. The Holy Spirit is not some thing but Someone with whom we fellowship. We are called to a relationship with God, so when I speak of being empowered or filled by the Holy Spirit, please think of this in a relationship context. God dwelling within you can—and should—change everything about your life. The Holy Spirit of God within you comes with the same power that set fire to the early church (Acts 2). God’s Spirit empowers us to kill sin and live holy lives. Later in Romans 8, we also discover that the Holy Spirit prays through us, especially when we don’t know what to say or how to say it. This precious promise me so much comfort! “The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:27). God prays in us, helping us in our weakness. The Holy Spirit helps us to turn away from sin. Sin is the very reason so many of us have been messy, wayward, and wandering; sin grieves the Holy Spirit. I’m so grateful His mercies are tender and that He’s constantly calling us out of sin’s ugly grip. We’re called to live in humility, utter dependence, and total reliance on God’s Spirit. People would much rather hear that the Spirit will empower them to live their best life now; that the Spirit wants them to be healthy, wealthy, and wise; and that He can and will do whatever they want if they have enough faith. Faith in what? In a god they can control? This is a false narrative we are hungry to believe. The Holy Spirit is a consuming fire, the Holy One who was and is and is to come (Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 1:8). In the past, I was emptied by sin; now I’m filled to overflowing by the Spirit of God within me. Spirit truly helps us in every way as we are rest in His embrace. His power is perfected in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10). Your struggles and weaknesses aren’t embarrassing to God. His Spirit is interceding on your behalf to help and strengthen you. Let that love pour over you.