His Spirit Living in Us

Sometimes we wonder about God’s plans for us. We wonder whether they differ from our plans. When our meandering thoughts include everything from a grocery list to getting gas for the car, where does God’s will come into play? How do we surrender our will, wants, and desires to Him—the one worthy of our every breath?

We should begin with “Not my will but Yours be done” as our morning prayer, but it needs to grow into our hourly battle cry. This practice of surrender should be one of our plans. In fact, it needs to be the first plan.

Do I really need to go to the grocery store? If so, I can ask God to help me make it my mission field—His plan. I will be kind and not insist on my own way. I won’t just walk in with my head down, but I will make eye contact and smile for Him.

While getting gas, I can be mindful of the people around me. If there is someone in need, I can ask God to help me be generous.

Yet how does God compete with our individual wills (Proverbs 19:21)? He doesn’t. He lets us choose Him—or not. When I compare my planned day with one of God’s, it usually ends with a deep sigh. I either didn’t accomplish much, or I produced a second-place offering that could have easily been a kingdom-building moment.

As a disciple of Jesus, planning my days around His schedule is a must. After all, it’s what I signed up for—to help build God’s kingdom, His way.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. His plans will prevail. Make sure you are helping them come to fruition, not hindering them.

As I talked to a leader at work, I suddenly felt pointless, like what I had to say didn’t matter. My heart sank, and I felt my self-esteem sinking out through my toes. I fought to maintain a poker face and quickly wrapped up the conversation. His intent was not to make me feel worthless. He was being self-focused and impatient. I then remembered what Eleanore Roosevelt once said: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

At times, we all experience what I did. We suddenly doubt ourselves because of something another person says—or doesn’t say. God’s plan for us is full of hope, but how often do we doubt His purpose for us and then fail to take our intended place in life? Where are the areas in which God calls us to find meaning and success in our careers, ministry, parenting, marriages, friendships, health, and fitness journeys? We sometimes live far below where God intends.

We need to remember who we are. God wants us to live with purpose and meaning. To know that He created us for a joy-filled life (Jeremiah 29:11). He wants us to know and love Him and those around us as He unconditionally loves us.

In what areas of your life have you believed lies about who you are? Are you living below the life God intends for you? Find truths in Scripture to counteract the lies, and take steps to move forward. Forge ahead and break through the lies that would hold you back and keep you stuck below where God wants you. No matter what others have told you—or what lies you have believed about yourself—believe them no longer. You are loved. God knew you before you were born, and He has a good plan for your life. Take steps to live the good life God intended for you. You are worth it, and you are loved.

Imagine for a moment, a girl—a teenager—wearing ripped skinny jeans and a black leather jacket, combat boots, and a necklace that looks suspiciously like a dog’s collar. Odds are she has headphones plugged in her ears, and she won’t remove them unless she absolutely has to.

Rebels come in many different shades—this was, unfortunately, my own—but they all have one thing in common: a heart like lead weighing them down, yielding an attitude naturally disposed toward opposing, disagreeing, and defying. Most people go through a period of rebellion (or at least entertain thoughts of it) at some point in their lives. Some people take it further than others do.

Jesus relates the beautiful story of a father welcoming home his rebellious son (Luke 15:32). The son had demanded his inheritance, moved out, and partied away all his money. He was feeding pigs when he finally decided to return home and beg Dad for forgiveness. While the son expected his father to treat him no better than a servant, his father, to the son’s surprise, welcomed him home with open arms.

In the same way, our heavenly Father awaits us with open arms when we, in our sinful rebellion, run from Him and squander all His gifts. Now, why on earth would He do that? Put quite simply, He loves us—far greater than we could ever imagine. He loved the world and gave His Son so that we could become His children too.

Another thing about rebels: they’d rather do anything but submit. But only submission to God yields everlasting peace. Whether you’re currently running from God—or have yet to follow Him in the first place—turn and flee into your Father’s open arms today.

I recall being at a park one day and seeing a man sitting at a table with his dog. The man was crying. I noticed he was on his phone, evidently calling someone to come and meet him.

His crying motivated me to look for a tract in my Bible. Thankfully, I found one that said, “Jesus loves you.” I approached him and gave it to him, telling him it might help. When his friend came by, they talked for a while. Then, before leaving, the man came over and promised he would read what I had given him.

Whenever we look at James 3:6, we might think about the negative use of our tongues. However, we can positively use our tongues to influence others. I will probably never see this man again. I don’t know if he knows Jesus. Yet hopefully, he will come to Christ, and I will see him in heaven.

Many people are hurting in our world. We can use our tongues to influence others positively, including leading them to faith (James 3:6). As Christians, when we see someone hurting, we should reach out to them. This action did not cost me anything financially. There are times when we are so busy, but that should not hinder us. We need to be Jesus to people through our actions.

Think of ways you can use your tongue properly. 

 “You need to have your cataracts removed,” my optometrist said and referred me to an eye surgeon. I had cloudy vision. 

My vision blurred imperceptibly over the years. Driving at night on country roads between church and home was a nightmare. Approaching headlights became painful starbursts. Formerly colorful reflections faded into dismal blurs.

The morning of my cataract consultation arrived. A few minutes with the surgeon left me fraught with more questions than answers. The doctor explained the pros and cons of the different replacement lenses. I decided to have my farsighted vision and astigmatism corrected. I looked forward to laying aside my everyday glasses and only needing reading glasses occasionally.

Matthew said that having good, restored vision is required to serve effectively in God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:22). For us to correctly receive and reflect God’s pure light, our lamp—our eyes—must be clear and clean. If we look at unholy things through cloudy lenses, we will be filled with gloomy, ungodly things.

I ask myself the following questions about God’s light:

-     What do I allow into my mind and heart that could deflect God’s light or cover it up?

-     What darkness in my life needs God’s radiance to dissolve it?

-     Am I an effective witness for Christ, humbly flashing pure light into the dark hearts of those around me?

The wicked prefer darkness. They hide from God’s piercing light of truth. Christ calls us to be bold, pure instruments of His light in this dark world.

Honor and trust God with your eyes and vision so He can fill you with His holy, pure light.