Sunday, 23 June 2024
COOPERATE WITH HIM
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
I love the Holy Spirit! I’ve often wondered how folks who don’t have the Holy Spirit live on a day-to-day basis. Consider what we just read in our theme verse: it’s part of the glorious ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He makes us willing and able to do the will of the Father. This doesn't imply that you sit idly by and say, “I’m not going to do or say anything if the Holy Spirit doesn’t make me say or do something.” That’s not how it works. There’s a cooperation; it’s a fellowship.
The scripture isn't conveying the idea of you “waiting” for Him to compel you to do; rather, it emphasises a partnership that enables the Holy Spirit to fulfil His ministry in your life. Both He and you have distinct roles to play.
The Holy Spirit is called to work with and through you, but you need to allow Him to do His job through fellowship with Him. Through that fellowship, He instils in you a willingness to do God's will effortlessly, where you’re always ready and willing to do what God has called you to do. Like Ezekiel, He’ll “set you upon your feet” (Ezekiel 2:2).
The Holy Spirit can prompt you to take certain actions and you’d be conscious that those actions are orchestrated by Him. He doesn't just move you capriciously as though you’re a robot; no! There’s a oneness, a unity of purpose, an agreement with Him that’s required. As the Bible says, "two can only walk together, when they agree" (Amos 3:3).
Encourage the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Cooperate with Him. Celebrate and appreciate Him for His guidance, and for causing your heart to be mantled with the wisdom to know and walk in the perfect will of God today.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for being the One at work in me by the Holy Spirit to will and to fulfil your good pleasure. I yield to your guidance and celebrate your grace at work in me to live out your divine purpose effortlessly, and please you always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Ezekiel 2:2; John 14:16-17; John 16:13; Romans 8:14
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 10:24-48 & Ezra 7-8
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 8:1-8 & Isaiah 10