Good morning…
Sometimes, someone shares something to give us a spiritual boost when our own energy is waning. Unexpectedly, we receive a gift we did not ask for, a gift only God knew we needed so desperately. From an angel wearing skin, we receive a breath of fresh air and our faith is renewed, our trust in God is once again galvanized, and our single focus upon the Giver of life is secured, emboldened.
My friend received her third chemo treatment yesterday, and she also received the gift of a life-giving text from a friend. Her friend shared the wisdom of Sarah Young from yesterday’s Jesus Calling devotional; these divinely inspired words carried my friend through a difficult day.
Through an author’s pen and a text sent in love, God whispered to my friend, “To endure today’s circumstances, keep returning your focus to Me. The only way to establish and to maintain balance when life pushes you into pain is to fix your eyes on Me.” My friend loved this line best from the inspired devotional, shared by her friend at the right moment on the right day, “If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused. Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure.”
I am not surprised that the Latin root word for “inspire” means “to breathe upon or into.” In John 20:21-22 (NIV) Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” As we receive from Jesus the breath of God’s Spirit, we are inspired to breathe life into hearts that are hurting. Personalizing God’s promise in Acts 1:8 (NIV), we trust this truth: “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in your family, in your community, in your country, and to the ends of the earth.”
As we inhale the Spirit’s power and we exhale the Spirit’s power, we share with the world God’s supernatural presence.
God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Acts 2:32-33 (NLT),
Sue
