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Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Dependence on the HS

Dependence on the Holy Spirit

It is said of the great preacher C.H. Spurgeon that he so desired the Spirit’s power in his ministry, that he repeated to himself when stepping to the pulpit, “I believe in the power of the Holy Ghost.” Spurgeon knew where the power for ministry was to be found – in the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Spurgeon’s example both inspires and convicts my heart. How often do I seek to serve the Lord, without reliance upon the Holy Spirit? How often do I seek to rely on my own talents and my own abilities in ministry? Yet even Jesus who was the perfect Son of God submitted to the ministry of the Spirit (Luke 4:1). How we need to hear afresh the words of Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”

The ongoing, continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit is one of the great comforts for the believer in Christ. Jesus said to His disciples on the eve of His death, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth,” (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit is our parakletos – the One who comes alongside us to be our advocate. He is the “Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:2). How precious is the gift of the Holy Spirit!

Dear Christian, are you discouraged or overwhelmed by the challenges that you face? Learn to trust in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Learn to walk by His influence (Galatians 5:16), trust in His power (Acts 4:31), submit to His leadership (Romans 8:14) and abide in His love (Romans 15:30). Know that the Holy Spirit lives inside of you (1 Corinthians 6:19). May we echo the words of Spurgeon and say: “I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit”.