The Wind of the Spirit

We decided to go down to the beach on New Year's Day. In the event the weather had changed and it was cold and windy, so not a day for dawdling.

Families were down on the beach enjoying the holiday atmosphere, but wrapped up against the cold. Several were flying kites, stunt kites, box kites, large curved candy-striped ones, all sorts. We watched one young boy, as his father helped him hold it up to the wind and then let it go to soar ever upwards. Another boy had his attached to a kind of sled with wheels and the kite carried him effortlessly along the ground at speed. It was a delightful dynamic sight and I thought there was something I could learn from it.

I thought about the wind of the Holy Spirit, which can't easily be described or explained. It is something we experience. We cannot control the Holy Spirit, but we can allow Him to control our lives. If we do not know Jesus, but want to become a Christian, all we have to do is hold up our kite of faith and let the wind of the Spirit launch us into the kingdom.

I believe the same principle applies to Christians. I have found it is so easy to become muscular and try to do things in my own strength and that saps my energy. I also used to be a great copier. If I found something worked, I would do it that way again and again, rather than allow myself to be led by the Holy Spirit. God is always doing a new thing, so we have to keep up with Him. It's a bit like going on vacation to the same place year after year. Nothing wrong with that, unless it stops us experiencing fresh pastures and exploring new horizons. If we look at Jesus, He was neither a copier or a people-pleaser and only did what He saw His Father doing. He was really in tune with Him and so it can be for us.

So whatever stage we are at with Jesus in this New Year, let's launch out with faith and throw caution to the winds. Let go of all that we hold onto and soar with Jesus and experience glorious freedom as the Holy Spirit takes control.

May 2008 be the year of God's favour for you.

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:8 New International Version