The Pursuit - 12 WeeksSample

Long before Jesus came, God promised through the prophet Ezekiel that he would give his people new hearts and put his Spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:26-27). That promise is fulfilled for every Christian today. The moment you trust in Jesus, God’s Spirit takes up residence in your life.

Think about that for a second: the same Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation, who empowered the prophets, and who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you. That’s not just inspirational language — it’s reality. God doesn’t leave you to figure out the Christian life on your own. His Spirit empowers you from the inside out to change your desires, guide your decisions, and strengthen your faith.

But here’s the catch: even though God has given you his Spirit, you can still choose to ignore his leading. Paul calls it a battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). That means every day you’re faced with choices. Will you give in to old patterns of sin, or will you yield to the Spirit’s guidance? Baptism marks that you’ve entered this new life, but the Spirit is what keeps you walking in it.

The Spirit’s presence is a reminder that Christianity isn’t about willpower — it’s about surrender. You’re not just trying harder to be good; you’re learning to let God transform you from the inside out.

Reflection:

In what areas of your life do you need to stop striving in your own strength and start yielding to God’s Spirit?