I’ve recently found myself convicted about the ways I seek out and listen to the Holy Spirit. Throughout October, my home church has been encouraging us to earnestly and wholeheartedly pursue the Spirit in all that we do. As I’ve spent time reflecting on the sermons both in my own quiet moments with the Lord and in my weekly small group, it’s become clear how little I feel I know about the Spirit. Especially when it comes to seeking Him.
At the beginning of the month, I began reading through the book of Acts, hoping it would help lay a biblical foundation for understanding the works of the Spirit. Now, as I’ve finished Acts, I’m grateful to share that I not only feel a stronger foundation forming, but also a deeper sense of what it means to invite the Holy Spirit into every part of my life. Leaning into this invitation has allowed me to grow in trusting that He will guide me according to God’s plan. I’ve been especially encouraged by the example Paul sets throughout his ministry, listening to and discerning the Spirit’s leading. This truth has become even more meaningful as I pray and prepare to step into a season of full-time ministry myself.
“When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” — Acts 16:7-10
I know that learning and growing in this way isn’t linear. I know that it takes time, patience, and abundant grace. My prayer in these months leading up to my departure in the new year is that I would learn what it means to live in full trust of the Spirit: to be filled by Him, to allow Him to flow through me in all that I do, and to follow His leading into the ways the Lord desires to use me.