Power of the Spirit

 

(May 19, 2021) This Sunday, Christians will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, the outpouring of  the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ followers for the first time (see Acts 2). The Spirit was so  powerful that the disciples went from living in hiding, out of fear of what would  happen to them, to going out and spreading the news about the risen Christ and  performing miracles in His name. “Everyone was filled with awe at the many  wonders and signs performed by the apostles” (Acts 2:43). 

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude,  knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. All Christians received these gifts at their  baptism. He continues to give them to us if we ask Him to in order to continue the  work Jesus started.  

What do these gifts look like? Let’s say a teen asks you for advice; you ask God for  guidance in what to say, and effective words ‘pop into your head,’ that’s counsel. When a scripture verse you’ve heard many times before suddenly has greater  meaning for you, that’s the gift of understanding. Maybe you’re tempted to say  something rude; you ask God to help you bite your tongue, and you’re able to  keep quiet, that’s fortitude. 

Imagine being given a new wardrobe and letting it sit in the closet, or receiving a  gift package of gourmet food and admiring the box instead of making delicious  meals with it. That wouldn’t happen! In the same way, God wants us to ask Him  for His gifts so that we can use HIS power in the moment. These gifts empower us  to be more than just ‘nice people’! So, let’s ask God to open our hearts and let  Him pour His gifts onto us. 

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,  

which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, 

but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  

2 Timothy 1:6-7

“Lord, pour Your Spirit upon us once again. Guide us, and give us the power to  do Your work.” 

This article is a personal reflection by Gina Bedell © 2021. It and other reflections written by her invite  the reader to ponder a given topic and then seek deeper answers through prayer, additional spiritual  reading, and/or consultation with clergy or other persons who may guide the reader to a deeper faith  and understanding of God’s love and will for their life.