“… And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
Have you ever given a gift to someone, one that you poured your heart and soul into, only to discover it was never really used? How disappointing it feels to have someone treat so carelessly something that we put so much effort and love into making or searching to buy for them.
God has given those who follow Him a gift He poured His heart and soul into – the Holy Spirit! But do we use this gift or let it sit on a shelf collecting dust?
I read somewhere this thought: “When I get to heaven, I can’t wait to ask Moses what it was like to part the Red Sea. But what if he asks me, ‘What was it like for you to have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you ALL the time? I just experienced moments with Him, but you had Him ALL the time! What was that like?’ And I reply, ‘Well, it was all right, I guess.’” Can you imagine saying that?
So many of us are “trying” to live the Christian life in our own strength and then we wonder why we’re struggling, why it’s so hard. It’s as if we never realize that God has already given us everything we need to live this life in the gift of His Holy Spirit! We just need to enjoy and rely on this gift, every day.
Surrendering frees us from the bondage of “trying harder” and opens the door to the Holy Spirit’s incredible work in our lives. A gift freely given, but at such a great price — do we take that lightly? It’s time to take Him off the shelf, time to embrace this incredible gift, time to surrender our hearts completely over to Him.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit! I don’t want Your Spirit on a shelf in my life. Your Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in me, is the most intimate part of my life, making me fit for you. I don’t want to take your gift for granted. Amen.
By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Spiritual Oxygen: Are You Getting it?
• The Holy Spirit and Oxygen Tanks – by Kyle Norman
• Understanding the Holy Spirit
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