“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8 NLT).
Sometimes we have warnings of a storm, such as a hurricane or a tropical storm, so we can prepare. Other times, we may not have advance notice, such as in the case of tornadoes. We seem to be in the path of all these types of natural disasters in the South.
This last time was the looming approach of Hurricane Irma. We were bracing ourselves for a Category 3, but hoping for less. Prayers were answered and we faced only a tropical storm rather than a Category 4, which devastated the Caribbean Islands and Florida Keys (not to forget Hurricane Harvey which decimated Houston, Texas). We have so much to be thankful for and should respond to those in need who were less fortunate.
The Lord spoke to me during the quiet after the storm. And it was quiet—no power, no noise, just rain, and silence. I was thinking about how much I depend on electricity, and without power, I was fairly helpless to do much around the house. I would have liked to cook but couldn’t. (I did prepare the night before so all we had to do was reheat on the gas grill.) I would have liked to take a hot shower, but couldn’t. Without power, life is complicated at best. It takes so much longer to do things. Power enables us. I am not limited when I have power. I don’t have to worry or fear when I have power—do you see where I’m going with this?
A person without power, aka the Holy Spirit, is much like a house without electricity. We can’t reach our full potential without the Holy Spirit. I know the Holy Spirit enables me to do things I can never do in my own strength or ability. He gives me wisdom and insight that I don’t normally possess. The Holy Spirit gives me strength and comfort when I’m at my end physically and emotionally. He prays through me when I don’t know what to say or even how to express my burdens or pain. The Holy Spirit guides me to make the right choices and decisions. He comforts me when I’m broken and grief-stricken. I don’t know what I would do without Him. Such truth in this verse: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for sending us Your sweet Holy Spirit to empower and help us in ways we never knew we would need.
Lori Lewis is the International Women’s Ministries President for the Church of God. She has served on the International Women’s Ministries Advisory Board, State Women’s Ministries Director, International Girls Ministries Director, State GM Director and many other ministry roles. Her desire is to strengthen women as they embrace their gifts, calling and identity in Christ.
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