“The [Holy] Spirit promises to give us power, unity, supervision, and holiness: P-U-S-H. Need a push? He promises power to the saint.”- Max Lucado
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”- Titus 3:4-7
In Chapter 12 (“You Will Have Power”) of Unshakable Hope, Max Lucado observes that many Christians settle for a two-thirds God. Thus, while they rely on the Father and the Son, they overlook the Holy Spirit. Most noteworthy, Pastor Lucado states, the Bible refers more than a hundred times to the Holy Spirit. That’s more than Jesus says about the church or marriage.
Furthermore, Max suggests, imagine all the promises Jesus could have made to His disciples, but didn’t. For example, Jesus didn’t promise immediate success or the absence of disease or struggles. Nor did Jesus guarantee a certain level of income or popularity. However, Jesus promised the perpetual and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Holy Spirit provided the push the early church needed to face the challenges ahead.
Also, the power includes the gifts of the Spirit. Max explains:
“The gifts of the Spirit . . . appear in the life of the saint in the same way an apple appears on the branch of an apple tree. Fruit happens as a result of relationship. . . . As our relationship with God is secured and unmarred by rebellion, sin, or stubborn behavior, we can expect a harvest of fruit. We needn’t force it. But we can expect it. It simply falls to us to stay connected.”
Therefore, Pastor Lucado exhorts, avail yourself of all God offers. And fix your heart on the Holy Spirit’s power.
Today’s question: What push do you need from the Holy Spirit? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Abound in hope through the Holy Spirit’s power”
