One evening recently, our family was driving home in the rain. We were a half mile from home before my wife and I heard a loud pop on the passenger side of our windshield. Unexpectedly, one of the wipers had come loose and flown off. I drove the rest of the way home (without wipers) while praying to get home safely. The next morning, I left early to go get a replacement. Unfortunately, it was still raining so I was forced to drive extremely slowly as my vision was obstructed by streaks of rain being blown in different directions on my windshield. Using the one existing blade would have required use of the side with the missing blade. The loud noise from the night before had signified to me my inability to use either wipers until the issue had been rectified. It was inconvenient, the say the least. To know I had the power to use the blades but couldn’t because of the existing problem left me frustrated. It reminded me of what it would be like to be married without the ability to be intimate with my wife. Sure, there are other parts of a married relationship that are rewarding. But there’s something special about those intimate moments. Those intimate moments bring both parties closer together. God created intimacy for the mutual enjoyment of both parties. To abstain from such a gift seems like a form of self-punishment.
As I was thinking over the issues from the above story I was reminded of our walk with Christ. As believers, we are the bride of Christ. While on this earth, it is our responsibility to choose to spend intimate moments with our groom to build, grow, and nurture that relationship. Sadly, many people choose to whore (harsh but true statement) themselves out to the things of this world while turning their backs on the Savior. There are benefits that come with our relationship with the Master. One being the gift and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Acts 1:8 records the last thing Jesus said to His disciples before His ascension. He stated states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit is like the windshield wipers on our cars. He brings clarity to our lives and our walk with Christ. When situations arise that bring confusion, He is there to bring us peace as our comforter. When we feel fearful, the Holy Spirit endows us with a boldness to complete the tasks at hand. If the Holy Spirit is there to help, lead, and guide us, why wouldn’t we court his presence and allow Him to be an active part of our lives.
Closing remarks and encouragement: Choosing not to allow the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives would be like abstaining from opening and using beautiful gift we’ve been given. Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life? We’re already two months into 2019. There’s no time as good as the present to tap into a more intimate relationship with our Savior. If we want a different outcome in the things that will happen in this year, we must do something different. We can’t repeat 2018’s old habits or we’ll get the same results. Stretch yourself this year! Seek Him more! He said, if you seek Him you will find Him!
Have a blessed week, my friends!!!