Strong spirits: what makes us spiritually strong?

Where do you get the strength to do all that you need to do every day? Food, certainly. Exercise, of course. Sufficient rest helps. All of these are needed to help us be strong and ready for what comes next.

When it comes to spiritual matters, where does your strength come from? Again, many possible answers: prayer, fellowship, worship, Bible reading and study. All necessary and good. But behind them is something we tend to overlook. Not something, but Someone. The Holy Spirit.

Jesus told his disciples: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..." (Acts 1:8). He says the same to us. There would be no Church, no apostles, and we would have no power for life or godly work, but for the Holy Spirit.

Are you availing yourself of his presence? Are you learning to listen for his voice? Following Jesus is impossible apart from the Holy Spirit. If you are a follower of Jesus, the Spirit is already in you. Ask God to fill you with his Spirit, and teach you to lead the Spirit-filled life. That's where the adventure is!

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.

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