Standing Strong Through the Storm

IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Jesus said He would not leave us alone but would give us a Helper to be with us forever (John 14: 16-18). He taught us that the Holy Spirit would be our Counselor (John 14: 26). Jesus also called Him the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17).

Two sisters in southern China came to Christ in a house church meeting. Twenty months later a friend from Hong Kong visited them and asked what they had been doing since their conversion. “Starting home meetings,” was their timid response.

“How many home meetings?” “Only thirty,” was their halting reply.

“How many attend your meetings?” was the next nonchalant question. “Well, at the smallest one about two hundred and eighty!”

Now the questioner was totally involved and quickly continued, “How many attend your largest meeting?” “Not even 5000, only about four thousand nine hundred!”

The Hong Kong Christian was flabbergasted. And in his excitement quickly asked, “How do you ladies—both new Christians—know what to do?”

They simply replied, “We pray. And after we pray, the Holy Spirit tells us what to do!”

It is also obvious that these two ladies were then obedient to the Holy Spirit’s direction. The goal of all Christians should be to live so completely under the control of the Holy Spirit that it can be said we are walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). As Paul reminded the Galatian Christians, they began their Christian lives by a miracle work of God, new birth in Jesus, and they could only expect to continue it by God’s power. This fact is even more evident in a hostile environment.

RESPONSE: The Holy Spirit wants to be my guide and counselor today. I will be obedient to His leading.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to walk this day in the power of Your Holy Spirit. May I also keep in step!