You can feel the wind, but you can't see where it's coming from or where its destination is. You can see the effects of its power when a hurricane or tornado touches down in various places, leaving behind massive destruction.

Sometimes, a harsh wind can create beauty, as in a desert, shaping the sand dunes, or on the lakeshore, with huge chunks of ice breaking apart by the force of the wind pushing them towards the shore, leaving behind beautiful pieces of light-blue sculptures.

And so it is with the Spirit of God, which is often referred to as a wind.

John 3:8 – The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. (NASB)

Jesus promised His followers:

John 14:15-17 – If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. (NLT)

When the Spirit of God touches us, we will never be the same. There is a change within. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit needs to nudge us in order to bring us into a closer relationship with Jesus. At other times, the Holy Spirit grants us peace and serenity that goes beyond human understanding.

James K. Manley, at the nudging of the Holy Spirit, wrote this refrain for a hymn that is sung in many churches today:

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,
Blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
Stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.

Are we listening?

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us in the way that we should go. Awaken us to a closer walk with You. Grant us courage to stand up boldly against the injustices done in this world. Help us to speak in love. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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