ReceiveSýnishorn

Through the Holy Spirit...

Our lives can bear wonderful fruit, but none of us bears this fruit perfectly. We will always need God’s help! Will you try something with me? I’m going to read a list of the ways we may struggle with the fruit of the Spirit. As I read the list, notice which areas you relate to. This will give you direction as you pray and ask God for help in the areas you need it the most, okay?

In which of these areas do you feel weakest?

Love—I’m good at loving my friends, but loving my enemies? That doesn’t come easily!

Joy—Everyday stresses of life are stealing my joy.

Peace—I find myself starting arguments rather than creating harmony.

Patience—I have to admit, my ability to put up with difficult people and situations is a bit thin.

Goodness—I try to do what’s right, but I find myself making bad choices.

Faithfulness—If I’m really honest, my faith feels a little shaky. I’m not sure how well I can devote myself to God and the people in my life.

Gentleness—I’m a pretty bold person—being gentle to others—it just doesn’t come naturally to me.

Self-Control—I’ve been struggling to master my own desires—the ones I know aren’t good for me and the people I care about.

Remember—life is hard. We need God’s help. You’re not alone.

Feeling weak in a certain area is okay and it’s normal. This walk with God—it’s a journey, and it’s a journey of gradual change. Maturity. It takes practice, self-control, time, and God’s help.

When you have found a statement that applies to you, will you ask God to help develop and work with you in that area? This is a wonderful request to bring to the Lord in prayer. He is pleased when we offer Him our whole selves—especially the places where we are most broken.

Try it out. See what God will do! You are going to be amazed.

Some of you may be thinking, "Why can’t I feel God’s Spirit?"

I want to encourage you—God’s Spirit is in you, whether you “feel” Him or not. We may not sense His presence all the time. But when we don’t feel Him, we can trust that He is with us because His Word says so. We know His teachings are trustworthy—He would never lie to us.

The Word of God says in Hebrews 11:1-3,

"Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see." [Hebrews 11:1, NLT]

Believing would sure be a lot easier if God the Father and the Holy Spirit weren’t invisible, and Jesus was still walking around on the earth!

But this is where faith comes in.

The whole world was formed by God, who is invisible to us, and yet the earth, the solar system, all the galaxies, and humanity’s position in them—all these are very real. That’s how real the Holy Spirit is, living inside you! Though we cannot see Him and often can’t feel Him, He will bear the very fruit in your life as you continue to follow His leading.

Let’s pray…

Holy Spirit of God, fill us to overflowing. Help us to trust in faith that You are with us. We pray that You would transform us and grow the fruit of the Spirit within us, day by day. Thank You for Your very real presence. Amen.