“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.
I went on a women’s retreat a year ago in the Smokey Mountains and got about a full week with the Holy Spirit. No phones and no outside world. One day, we went out to the wilderness in solitude and fasted. A lot of healing of past hurts and replacing lies I believed with truth was had that day and that week. I desire to go back to the wilderness in solitude with my Father. Just being outside alone helps me connect with the Holy Spirit.
There has been many occasions, in the past few years, when I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to teach bible lessons. First of all, I am not a speaker. Second, I don’t know exactly where all the scriptures are, I have to google it when I am looking for a particular verse. Third, I’m scared I’ll mess up. Despite all my excuses and fears, I still feel the nudge and I’m tired of fighting Him.
Absolutely! So many ways! Too many to list. He took over my mind, body and spirit. He gave me a joy unspeakable and a craving for the Bible and service. And Worship was UNBELIEVABLE!!! His presence was so strong during worship and prayer I could barely contain it.
Here’s one of those moments when my eyes were opened to the glory of God and his Helper! I was feeling rather low and disconnected, a friend sent me the song The Blessing. I was watching the YouTube video and crying my way as I listened because I could just feel the Holy Spirit reaching me and reminding me that I am never alone. Suddenly, Numbers 6:24-26 appeared on my phone as my daily Bible verse (May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile and be gracious to you. May the Lord how you his favor and give you his peace). Of all the millions songs I could have been listening to, and all the millions of verses I could have read…these two occurred at the same time! I was humbled and awed to know that the Holy Spirit was right there with me, sending me that visual reminder that I am not alone.
I need to work on noticing the Holy Spirit in my day to day life and remember to lean on Him. Most often when I notice the Holy Spirit it is that reminder to get back into the Word and spending time with God. If I would just always remember to listen to the Holy Spirit I’d be less likely to get off track in the first place.
He convicts me daily to read my Bible and remember Jesus but I often push it off and priorize other things instead. I guess I feel I don’t need Him but then I am feeling unhappy and down and feel it could be because I haven’t prioritized time with Him
At times, when quiet and discussing issues. Need to pause more often & reflect.
Testing
Yes! I felt him in counseling many times. As my counseler would pray for God to fill us afresh with his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives me reminders of who I am in Christ. I am still learning how to hear Gods voice, and become more discerning also.
Yes I have… when I’ve been in counseling many times. I feel him working, when I am talking about very hard things. Giving me strength and comfort. My counseler asks God to fill us afresh with his Holy Spirit. I’m learning more as I seek God.