The Spirit in Us

I met a friend for coffee this week.  That's not unusual, but this person and myself had never met for a one-to-one visit before.  In fact, our history has only included chatting for short bouts during a coffee or lunch break at work, years ago. 

Like me, perhaps you can think of a time when you’ve enjoyed speaking with someone you haven’t known well, but there’s something that immediately connects you.  As Anne of Green Gables termed it, you leave feeling that you’ve always been "kindred spirits". 

Ah … a relationship we don’t have to struggle with is precious, and rare.  

I’ll go ahead and admit this — there are people in my life who are a lot of work.  The whole “egg shell walk” is the extreme, but thankfully there are only a handful of those inside my circle.  Those are the ones I CHOOSE to love - another article at another time. 

But back to this acquaintance and newly made friend.: In the short time we had together I learned that she’s an amazing person who has not had an easy road, but the joy she exudes is incredible.

As I was observing this, she suddenly said, “I don’t know why I’m so happy.  It doesn’t make sense with some of the things happening in my life, but I just am.  I’m really happy and I have to give the glory to God.”

There it was — the proof that the Holy Spirit has the power to give us joy and peace, even with seemingly unsurmountable circumstances pelting at us. 

The joy of the Lord is simply unexplainable, but it’s super recognizable when someone has it. 

Maybe you need the same reminder that I received that day — that if you belong to Jesus, He’s got you!  

He will NEVER let us go!  His Spirit is IN US, and with that comes a power I think I, at least, underestimate way too often.

Although I’ve struggled with Him many times, I know God is always there waiting for me to get over myself.  Truth be told, those struggles are always a me problem.  Not a Him problem. 

I’m speaking at a retreat this weekend, and I would be very appreciative if you’d pray for me.  I am in no way a professional speaker, so please pray that I will only say what He leads me to.  

I'll be remembering the following verse:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."     

Now ... a BLESSING I pray for each of you:

Romans 15:13 (NASB1995) - “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

WINNER of the FREE BOOK for May is:  Carol F!  Congratulations!