“It’s the best gift ever,” eight-year-old me exclaimed that Christmas morning. I had unwrapped what I wanted for months: an adorable Cabbage Patch doll. She had brown hair- like me. She had dark eyes- like me. And the best part? My sister had received one too! That day, we spent hours playing with our new “babies” and made a multitude of memories with them over the following years.
My parents knew how to give a really good gift!
Luke tells us about a parent who gives an even better gift, in Luke 11:13. “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”
The Holy Spirit is another advocate; just as Jesus was the first. (An advocate is someone who pleads on someone else’s behalf.) The Holy Spirit is pleading with God on my behalf and your behalf. (Doesn’t that just stop you in your tracks?) God wants us to succeed! The Holy Spirit groans for us when words escape us, and we don’t know what to pray for. (See Romans 8:26)
The Holy Spirit has power. (See Acts 1:8). We will receive that power through Him. Our possession of that power will witness and testify as to who God is.
The Holy Spirit has the power to help us do anything we are called to do. (John 14:26) He’s our teacher and reminder of Jesus’ words. If we are called to do it, the Holy Spirit will help us accomplish it.
The Holy Spirit knows both God and us, intimately. He will guide us towards God’s will for our lives. A gentle prodding, a whispered truth, an assortment of undeniable signs. He will get us there!
He takes as much pleasure in seeing us succeed as my parents took in seeing two gleeful girls with their new dolls on Christmas morning!
God knew we would need reminders, help and encouragement as we navigate daily life on this earth. He gave us the great gift of the Holy Spirit to do just that. Let’s thank Him for this gift and ask Him to help us be receptive to the Spirit.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for Your great gift of the Holy Spirit. Please help me tune into His nudges. Help me hear His reminders. Help me recognize His instructions. Thank You for His prayers when I don’t even know how to pray. Please help me draw closer to You through listening to Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.