"The Holy Spirit's presence and power reveal God's personal love in incredibly tangible ways." (Bible Study Fellowship, Chapter 14 Notes)
Have you ever recognized God's power at work because the Holy Spirit intervened in your life in a timely and very personal way?
Just this past week, while driving to meet up with some friends, I recognized the presence of the Holy Spirit speaking directly to my needy heart. My eyes were focused intently on the road, but the eyes of my heart were glued to my cares. Tightness rose in my chest as thoughts spun on a hamster wheel inside my mind. I wondered, "will the problems I'm facing ever change?"
Softly, a familiar tune began to hum through my speakers:
"O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace."
The perfect timing of these theological truths softened the weight on my weary heart, reminding me to take my eyes off my problems and put my eyes on Jesus. When I look at Jesus, the cares of this world grow dim, including what's currently overwhelming me.
My eyes welled up with tears at the perfect timing of this message. Still, there was more hope around the bend. As I rounded another curve, I saw a billboard with a picture of a newborn baby and the words, "Look forward to new things."
Although it might sound silly, this message was significant to me. I needed this intentional encouragement to remind me that God is in the business of making things new.
The following day, Isaiah 43:18-19 popped up on my phone:
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
This is a message to the nation of Israel to give them hope that God would rescue them from their captivity in Babylon and one day restore and redeem them through the coming of the promised Messiah. God was going to do something new and greater than anything they had seen Him do before.
Christ came to rescue us all from our captivity to sin and the suffering that results from sin. So we can turn to Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and trust that He is doing a new work in our hearts and minds. No matter how difficult things have been, our sin, suffering, and overwhelming problems do not have the last word. God is in the business of making all things new!
Precious friend, are you struggling with a weight too heavy for you to carry? Do you worry that things may never change? I’m here to remind you and myself that when we find our foot slipping toward focusing on our fears, God will gently turn our eyes back toward Jesus through timely nudges of the Holy Spirit.
So, cry out and hold on; the Holy Spirit's help is on the way. I'll leave you with one final quote from my bible study notes:
"The Holy Spirit's work becomes deeply personal when we recognize His Power in our lives (BSF Chapter 14 Notes)." Friend, God's doing something new. Can you perceive it?
Heavenly Father, I'm so thankful that you reach out to us in tangible and personal ways, reminding us to keep our eyes focused on You. Please bring new life to our troubled hearts so we may glorify Your name. Amen.
How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your life recently? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
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Thank you for writing this message. God stepped in and answered one of my prayers last week in such a specific manner that I knew he wanted me to know that he is listening. It gave me so much hope in a time of despair. Thanks for sharing this message. Love you!
It makes my heart so happy to hear this. There is nothing that can make us feel more seen, loved, and cared for than when God answers our prayers in such a personal way. Praying that God continues to show up in miraculous ways and that it will build your trust in Him more and more. Love you more!
Thank you so much Beth for your timely devotional that has kindled my heart with hope and grace today!!! The Holy Spirit has prevented me from having street accidents, near misses ;has helped me speak to difficult people , has nudged me , as you beautifully say, to remind His truths many times, even through the voice of a child or elderly person. I once prayed for a neighbour who had had a domestic accident but was yet somewhat mentally impaired for whom I had prayed the night before and who , on seeing her the next morning “knew” , because she actually told me , I had interceded for her before the Lord.
Mara, thank you for taking the time to share how the Holy Spirit has shown up in your life. It encourages my heart to hear how God has strengthened your faith through these personal interactions. May you continue to see God’s presence at work in your life and continue to share these testimonies to those who need to hear it most. Love, Beth
This is just beautiful Beth. I am so grateful for you and for your willingness to be open and vulnerable in order to lift up those around you! Thank you for sharing God’s work in your heart and in your life. You are such a blessing ❤️
Thank you, Sherry. You are a blessing to me! Love you!