But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses
Acts 1:8
In our journey of faith, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-reliance. We often try to navigate life’s challenges and fulfill our Christian calling through sheer willpower or our own abilities. But Jesus promised us something far greater – the power of the Holy Spirit.
The verse we’re focusing on today comes from Jesus’ final words to His disciples before His ascension. It’s a promise that would fundamentally change how they lived and ministered, and it’s a promise that extends to us today.
When Jesus speaks of “power,” He uses the Greek word “dunamis,” from which we get words like “dynamic” and “dynamite.” This isn’t just a gentle nudge or a slight boost – it’s explosive, transformative power. It’s the same power that raised Christ from the dead and that can utterly revolutionize our lives and ministries.
But what does it mean to rely on this power in our daily lives? First, it means acknowledging our own inadequacy. The apostle Paul, despite his impressive credentials and abilities, came to understand this profoundly. He wrote, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Relying on the Holy Spirit means living in a constant state of dependence on God. It’s about starting each day with a humble prayer, asking for the Spirit’s guidance, wisdom, and strength. It means pausing before decisions, big and small, to seek the Spirit’s direction.
In our witness for Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit is crucial. Jesus promises that the Spirit will make us His witnesses. This isn’t just about empowering our words, although that’s certainly part of it. The Spirit transforms our lives in a way that bears witness to the reality and power of the gospel. He produces in us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities, lived out consistently, can be a powerful testimony to those around us.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for the building up of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom. These gifts – whether teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, or any other – are not for our own glory, but for God’s. Recognizing and operating in these gifts is another way we rely on the Spirit’s power rather than our own abilities.
Relying on the Holy Spirit also means being sensitive to His promptings. Sometimes, the Spirit may urge us to speak to someone, to offer help, or to step out in faith in some way. These promptings might push us out of our comfort zone, but following them often leads to amazing opportunities to see God at work.
It’s important to remember that relying on the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean we become passive or neglect using our God-given abilities. Rather, it means surrendering those abilities to God’s control and trusting Him to work through us in ways that exceed what we could do on our own.
In our fast-paced, self-help culture, truly relying on the Holy Spirit can be countercultural. It requires us to slow down, to listen, to yield control. But the results are worth it. When we rely on the Spirit, we tap into a source of power, wisdom, and love that is literally out of this world.
Godseekers, I challenge you today to take a honest look at your life. Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength, or are you truly relying on the power of the Holy Spirit? Let’s commit to living in moment-by-moment dependence on Him, trusting that as we do, He will empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ in our world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we’ve relied on our own strength instead of Yours. Help us to live in constant awareness of and dependence on Your Spirit. Fill us afresh today, Lord. Empower us to be Your witnesses in all we say and do. May our lives bear the fruit of Your Spirit and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to rely on the Holy Spirit? Why do you think that is?
- Can you recall a time when you clearly felt the Holy Spirit’s guidance or empowerment? How did that experience impact your faith?
Step of Faith
This week, before every major decision or task, pause and consciously invite the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power. Keep a journal of how this practice impacts your actions and attitudes throughout the week. At the end of the week, reflect on any differences you’ve noticed in your reliance on God versus your own strength.
