“I can’t do that.”
“It will never work.”
“I’ve tried before.”
“I’m afraid to try.”
Have you ever found yourself saying one of these things when it comes to change? Whether you’re attempting something new, trying to change the way you think, or starting a different routine, you come up with a million reasons why it won’t work for you before you’ve even started. Why do we do that to ourselves?
If we do that in the little things, how much more do we have this mindset with the big things? Growing to be more like Jesus sounds like a big, audacious goal that we have to achieve on our own. What makes it even harder is that the enemy would love for you to believe that it’s not even possible. So what do we do when we want to figure out what’s true? Head to the Bible.
In John 16, Jesus tells his disciples that when he leaves the earth, there’s a way he will stay connected with them. There’s a way they will still have help: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Helper: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:15–16).
This is good news! We cannot grow to be like Jesus without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We have help. The biggest mistake we can make with sanctification is thinking it’s a self-help initiative. It’s a Holy Spirit initiative.
“Holy Spirit, help me to love those around me with grace and compassion.”
“Help me to make this decision.”
“Help me to trust you with this day.”
It’s easy to believe change in our lives isn’t possible if the change is only up to us. Praise God that’s never what he has in mind as he molds us to be more like him. How much more do we stick to something we say we’re going to do when we have someone holding us accountable? The Holy Spirit is our guide, our teacher, our helper. God’s Spirit is inside of us, showing us how to live a godly life. He literally is the change agent—the one doing the work. The only way we look any different. The reason we can look like Jesus at all.
You’re not alone.
In devoted, consistent prayer time, the Holy Spirit has revealed things to me that I otherwise would not have seen unless focused on hearing Him
Absolutely! I have felt Him speak to me, convict my heart on occasion, and fill me with peace when there was no reason to feel peace. But, lately I have been so busy listening to the sound of my own voice and frustrations that I believe I have shut out his voice. I am getting in the word this week…that is how I am beginning to notice him again.
I have a handful of miraculous change moments- where when I’m in a combustible situation and I remember (before reacting)- to choose that I want Gods way and not my flesh way- and or whisper “Holy Spirit help me” or Holy Spirit show me what is TRUE here…and wham! (When I’m TRULY yielding my will or understanding or rights or flesh to him)- HE TAKES OVER AND DOES SOMETHING in that moment! And it always has supernatural results!!
No. I can obey God, be a disciple, share His Word, serve others, trust Him
Pause more often to feel His presence.
I have noticed him at work before but I do not do a good job of letting him work. This week I need to spend more time talking to God and asking him to make room in my life to let the Holy Spirit work.
Seek the father and guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer.
There was a time in life where I once felt the Holy Spirit and the lord truly moving in my life and heart. An then some times grief and loss and just day to day life draw us from the lord and the Holy Spirit so right now I’m working on seeking the father through the power of prayer!
He gives the strength getting me out of bed after I lost a client.
I have never noticed the Holy Spirit during that time but I feel if I actually take time and have peace I can notice the Holy Spirit more
Yes, its just that small voice in my head saying you might wanna rethink this, or reminding me that maybe I shouldn’t have said that.