Spirit-led Work

Do you ever question your calling and purpose? Do you wonder and think there is more that you should be doing? Do you rush around trying to do something so you can look at the accomplishment and somehow feel fulfilled? In studying the early church in the book of Acts, I am convinced that in our society we are so conformed to being productive that we forget to wait for instructions.

How many of you have bought anything, whether a child's toy or a dresser, that needed to be put together, but didn't take the time to read the instructions first? Sometimes you can get away with it and sometimes...it doesn't go so well. The same thing happens when we run ahead of the Lord and try to do His work on our own without spiritual instruction. The early church leaders were focused so much on doing the will of God that they didn't move before seeking Him.

In Acts 1, we see the disciples staying in the Upper Room praying together awaiting the promise. Remember, they didn't know how long they would have to wait. We know it was 10 days, but when they started praying and didn't see anything happen day after day, they continued to trust in the promise that God would send a Helper, but they had to wait for Him (Luke 24:49).

Are you willing to wait 10 days for the Holy Spirit to lead you? What if it takes 10 weeks, 10 months, or 10 years? God's timing isn't the same as ours (2 Peter 3:8). When we look back at the early church, they prayed expectantly and continued steadfastly until something happened. The first time the Holy Spirit came upon them, there were "divided tongues of fire and a mighty rushing wind," (Acts 2:2-3).

The second time they prayed earnestly and steadfastly waiting for empowerment, the "place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit," (Acts 4:31). Isn't this the empowerment you desire to do God's work? It is what I desire, yet the waiting is hard. Trusting Him is demonstrating faith. He is able to overcome all obstacles and sees so much more than we can possibly imagine. Each time the disciples prayed and were filled, miraculous things happened. God poured out His Spirit and did wonderful things.

I want to encourage you today to read Acts - if it seems like too much, start with Chapters 1-4. It is an exciting read. We serve the same God and come to Him through the same Jesus that was present on the day these pages were penned and the days in which these events occurred. God pours out the same Holy Spirit today and the power is available.

Do you believe Him? Do you have faith that He is able? Will you seek Him and His will no matter how long it takes? Will you mobilize yourself the moment He empowers you and do all that He has called you to? He has promised "Never to leave nor forsake you," (Heb. 13:5). Are you ready to pray, pray, and pray some more until He reveals His will for you to you? It's up to you. Take hold and trust in Him. I am praying for you dear one, knowing that God wants to work through each one who has called on His name. He loves you.

Your Freedom, Christ's Gift

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 NIV Freedom, it's a wonderful word and a great concept but are you living in freedom? Are you walking in the inheritance that Jesus died to give you? Have you claimed your birthright after accepting Jesus as Your Lord and Saviour? If so, congratulations and praise Jesus for your freedom. If not, why? Paul wrote the book of Galatians to the church as a handbook for Christian freedom. His desire was to share the freedom we have the right to claim as children of Christ. This first verse in chapter 5 is exciting to me, but also demonstrates that although we can live in freedom, we can quickly revert to the ways of the "old man" and find ourselves back in bondage that Jesus died to set us free from. So how do we walk in freedom: we seek Jesus to be Lord of our lives. We must submit to His will and seek the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us with His wisdom and power. Freedom in Christ does not mean we can do whatever we want. It means we now have within us the power and strength to follow Jesus and do His will. Living in the fullness of Christ is the most freeing, fulfilling life you will ever have, with the mountain tops and valley lows! Dear reader, I encourage you to take some time to prayerfully read Galatians. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and reveal the truths that God has there for you. Seek Him with your whole heart to break the bonds that keep you from walking in the freedom you have inherited as a child of the King. Trust in Jesus. I am praying for you. Natalie