“Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.” Charles Spurgeon

“When we have the Holy Spirit, we have all that is needed to be all that God desires us to be.” Aiden Wilson Tozer

So, what is it the Holy Spirit does that we can’t do without Him? 

Everything.

In the throes of trying hard, I gave up on Biblical instructions like “love your neighbor” and “love yourself.”

I gave up believing I’d fulfill my purpose. I talked about writing a book for more than a decade before I ever completed a chapter, a bad one. 

I gave up on God. I decided He wasn’t helping the way I wanted Him to, so I tried harder. 

As difficult and painful as it was to go it alone, that long season landed me here – grateful I don’t have to go back there ever again. Billy Graham said, “The Holy Spirit gives liberty to the Christian, direction to the worker, discernment to the teacher, power to the Word, and fruit to faithful service. He reveals the things of Christ.”

For more than a year now, I’ve heard Prophet Jim Reilly (who I have mentioned before) say, “I didn’t know anything about the car business when I went into it, so I asked Him to help me and He did.”

Our pastor said, “Anything good in my life is because I listened to Holy Spirit whispers.”

And I say, “Me too … finally.” 

Even though I can’t explain much about the Holy Spirit, I know He’s who got me from There (a place I imagined was like hell trying to do it on my own) to Here (heaven on earth). I’m dependent on Him more each day to live at peace in my relationships and do the work He’s given me to do. 

I’m finally better even though I said I’d never say that again because it was never true. Now it is. 

If you want to know more, read Tony Evans’ book The Promise: Experiencing God’s Greatest Gift – The Holy Spirit. I haven’t completed it because it’s slow reading since it’s deep, but all good stuff. 

For now, here are some clarifications backed by the Bible that I found online while studying about the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a person, not a thing. 

He thinks. (Acts 15:28)
He speaks. (Acts 1:16)
He grieves. (Ephesians 4:30)
He decides. (I Corinthians 12: 11)

The Holy Spirit’s names also describe who He is and what He does for us when we ask and accept His help. These come from “32 Powerful Names of the Holy Spirit” at Think About Such Things.com. In the article, there’s a scripture reference for each name alongside its description.  

Names of the Holy Spirit:

Spirit of Grace
Spirit of Knowledge
Spirit of Truth
Spirit of Understanding
Spirit of Wisdom
Spirit of Life
Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of Prophecy
Spirit of Revelation
Spirit of the Father
Helper
Spirit of Counsel
Generous Spirit
Good Spirit 
Spirit of Might

It’s noteworthy that Jesus’ ministry and miracles didn’t begin until about age 30 when He was baptized by John the Baptist. In Matthew 3:16 (NIV), the Bible says, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) descending like a dove and alighting on him.”

IF Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to begin His ministry, who are we to think we can do anything by ourselves? We sound like stubborn children when we demand, “I do it myself.” 

I didn’t get far until I asked for and accepted what the Holy Spirit freely gives, but never pushes on us. Galatians 5:22-23 from the Amplified Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

I used to think, Yeah, I know, but … 

I had something in my head – my own agenda – the way life should go and my plan to make it happen. You know how that worked out. Now I’m doing it the Holy Spirit’s way. 

Like Prophet Reilly says, “Not my way, but Yahweh.” I agree. 

In This Together,
Kim

FYI: I’m blogging my book titled On The Other Side of Trying Hard: Healing, Happiness, and Holiness. Because the blog posts will eventually be an entire manuscript instead of stand-alone stories, some posts may leave you hanging. I hope you’ll hang in here with us anyway ‘cause a happy ending is coming. Each blog post title includes the chapter title first. The phrase in parentheses is one subheading within the chapter. I’d love to hear your reflections, questions, and suggestions. I’m over-the-top grateful you’re here.