The title of this post came to me this afternoon. The Holy Spirit said to me: “I will not be forced”, so I am very happy to write this post with Him in mind.
Many years ago, I remember Chuck Swindoll saying: if its part of man’s will it’s forced, but if its part of God’s will it flows. This also reflects scripture for it is not by man’s will, nor by man’s power, but by God’s Spirit, says the LORD Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).
Back in the early 90’s I remember hearing talk of the Holy Spirit moving in our midst. There were even some Christians who referred to the Holy Spirit as an “it” as if He was some kind of force to be controlled by man. When I heard about this, I was deeply grieved to think that the third person of the Trinity could be controlled like some puppet on a string.
In the midst of our challenges, Satan can try to force God to respond, but God has the upper hand. He will not be moved, nor will His foundation – for the solid rock of Jesus Christ – cannot be moved.
So, remember what the Holy Spirit has come to do: to convict us of our sin, convince us of our need for Jesus, to remind us of the judgment to come, to lead us into all truth, and to bear His fruit in and through us. For even Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything He has said to us (John 14:26).
Prayer:
Holy Spirit,
Please forgive us for thinking that we could ever force you into submission. You are not some genie in a bottle that we can summon at our command. Rather, you are our advocate and our helper whom Jesus has sent to be with us. So, we surrender ourselves to you, and to your leadership. Please help us to fulfill the Father’s will of being conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. We choose to honor you as the Spirit who empowers us to fulfill the great commission of making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To God be the glory! Amen.
Pete says
Well said. I have been a worship leader for almost 35 years, and I can remember a time when I tried to fore the Holy Spirit. It was always a disaster. The people grew tired and were not into the worship at all. But when I learned to just follow His lead and let Him flow when he wanted to flow into the service, His presence was so sweet.
I learned that He does not always come in like that, and that’s OK. If the Holy Spirit moved mightily in every service, we would start to take that for granted. I never want to take His presence for granted, so I am glad He flows in when He wants to, not when I want Him to.
bond0servant says
And the gift of the Holy Spirit is all because of Jesus death on the cross, for all who believe and trust
lynnabbottstudios says
Amen!
Scott says
No one wants to be convicted and yet it is lovely when Holy Spirit does it. He is loving and kind even in this and He gives me the strength to overcome by His power. He doesn’t leave me hanging alone without victory. He has already overcome and He is calling me into His kingdom of righteousness.
Unite in Prayer says
Needed to hear this today. Thank you!
David Cosier says
Thank you for sharing!