Excerpt from Jim Cymbala's book Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit.
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'And let us… [fix] our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' -Hebrews 12:1-2 |
Will God reject our requests for his help because we're still flawed and immature in some ways? Not if we desire to live right before God and experience more of the Holy Spirit. Humility and a sincere desire to please him will always gain a hearing at the throne of grace.
We must not keep on looking inward at our faults and moral failures. Let's just sincerely confess everything the Spirit shows us and then move on to better things, like always keeping our eyes on Jesus [Hebrews 12:1-2]. He is the one who promised the Holy Spirit to men who had recently deserted him at a critical time. It wasn't their track record or righteousness that earned the promise; it was his love and their desperate need.
Does the Spirit want to do everything we have read about [in the Bible] or not? If he doesn't, then the Bible is a very misleading book. If he does, then our seeking his help, strength, love, wisdom, and direction is not in vain. Each time the Holy Spirit prompts us to move in a new direction, let's obey immediately. This will help us develop a deeper sensitivity to his voice…
As sure as morning follows night, the Holy Spirit will move in new ways among us. Let's leave the timing and manifestation of those things to God, whose ways are not like ours. But while we wait, let us keep working for Christ and serving others in his name. Spiritual revival is not reserved for hermits hidden away in a desert, but for believers living in the real world. With God the best is always yet to come…
When the Spirit works through surrendered, faith-filled people like you and me, Christ will be glorified. The church will be built up. The Word of God will be honored. The kingdom of God will be extended. For that is why he came.
– Jim Cymbala
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