“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NLT)
When we stifle the Holy Spirit, we are denying ourselves the very power we need to face all of the challenges of our days.
The Holy Spirit is wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge. (Isaiah 11:2)
The Holy Spirit is living and active.
When the Spirit urges you to move, do not stifle its impulses — MOVE! – Luther
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17, NIV)
I’ve forgotten my wallet. I’ve forgotten my cellphone. I’ve forgotten my attache case; but I’ve never once forgotten my heart, my lungs, or even my “who knows what it does” appendix. All of these latter-named items are securely within us.
So it is with the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us that He is here to help us forever; that He lives with us; and that He lives within us.
How cool is that? We have an eternal Helper. He lives with us. He lives within us; as surely and securely as our physical organs.
The Holy Spirit is not merely a gift from God; He is the gift of God. We can never lose this gift, but we can choose not to allow Him to help us — but why would we do that? – Luther
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. 41 ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'” (Matthew 26:40-41, NIV)
We are full of potential! Of all of the external influences that conspire to limit our achievement and hobble the power of the spirit within us, physical fatigue is arguably the most formidable.
Then, we are tempted to blame our failure to follow-through on our physical limitations: We are old (or young); we are ill-positioned; we are exhausted; we are handicapped. Jesus did not expect the disciples to do more than any of them were able. He never did. He expected only that they watch with Him for 60 minutes.
Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to pray as we stand watch; and watch as we stand praying. Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to include those nearest to us in the task.
What might have been the outcome, despite their fatigue, had the 11 disciples chosen (as Paul and Silas did some years later in prison; please see Acts 16:22-26 for the full story) to watch and pray and sing hymns to release the spirit; energize the flesh — and see the power of God come down? The spirit is willing! – Luther
Daily Encouragement 