In our daily three-minute meditations at groupbiblestudy.com, our continuing focus is on the Holy Spirit and the Spiritual Gifts, which the apostle Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians, chapters 12 and 14. Today, our theme is The Mystery of the Spirit’s Movement.
Understanding the Movement of the Holy Spirit
As a commercial fisherman with nets trawling the bottom of the sea, Keith Thomas learned that reality can be deceptive. On the boat six miles out in the North Sea, it might feel like you are standing still, but if the tide is moving at four miles per hour, you are trawling the bottom quite quickly. The Holy Spirit is like that tide. Often, we cannot see His movement, but with a willing heart, He carries us along, doing His work in us and through us, even when we are unaware of it, toward God's purposes.
Jesus used the metaphor of the wind to describe the Spirit—you can’t see where the wind is headed, but you can see the "trees stirring" (John 3:8). The apostle Peter added that the prophets were "carried along" by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). This describes a state of surrender to the Spirit, allowing a person’s words or actions to be guided, empowered, or inspired by the Spirit of God. This tells us that our spiritual life is a partnership. We don't have to "manufacture" the power; we simply must "put our boat in the water."
Stepping Out in Faith and Obedience
However, the guidance system, the rudder, only works when the ship is moving. If you stand still, waiting for a "feeling" before you obey, you may never discover the gifts God has placed within you. God directs us once we step forward in faith. Whether you are writing, teaching, or serving, you will know you are "in the tide" when the work begins to energize you rather than deplete you. Today, stop waiting for the "perfect" wind and start moving in simple obedience. — Keith Thomas
How to Apply This to Your Life
Knowing that the Spirit moves like a tide is comforting, but how do we actually "put our boat in the water" in daily life? Try these three practical steps today:
1. Start before you feel ready. If you feel a quiet prompting to encourage a friend, write a note, or serve someone, don't wait for a surge of emotional energy or a perfect sign. The steering happens after the boat is moving. Start the action, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide it.
2. Look for what energizes you. Pay close attention to your ministry and daily tasks. When you do something for God that leaves you feeling deeply satisfied and energized—even if you are physically tired—that is a strong sign you are moving with the tide of the Spirit.
3. Release the pressure to perform. Remember that you do not have to manufacture the power to do God's work. Your job is simply to be present and willing. Let the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.
Reflection: The Breath Prayer
Are you currently "rowing against the tide" in your own strength, or are you letting the Spirit carry you?
· Inhale: "I put my boat in the water."
· Exhale: "Spirit, carry me along."
Deepen Your Study of Spiritual Gifts
Watch the Full Study: Learn how to be led, guided, and empowered by watching the teaching video at the following link:
Continue Your Spiritual Journey…
Consider bookmarking this link: Browse our free 3-minute Bible Meditations. You can also read the full online written study here: How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts: A Guide to the Speaking Gifts of the Holy Spirit.