Those gifts are manifested all around us, but sometimes we lack the vision to see them. Yesterday, God helped me see.
In reality, I didn't see with my eyes. I became aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in someone I talked with over the phone. Our conversation began as a business-type conversation, but soon the man’s zeal about his work became apparent. What struck me, though, was the wisdom and knowledge with which he spoke. And it became apparent that those gifts came from a deep relationship with God.
In his law enforcement job, the man had seen all kinds of human depravity and suffering. Yet he was not jaded by what he saw. Instead, his experience made him realize how dependent on God we are. Humanity’s problems are so deep, he reasoned, we can’t possibly solve them on our own. We need God.
He wasn't depressed or discouraged by all the misery he deals with, either. He said he tries to live by three Biblical principles:
1) Pray without ceasing;
2) Do all things in the name of Jesus Christ;
3) Live in the belief that with God all things are possible.
That advice covers all of us, in all our needs. And with God’s wisdom guiding him, the man showed amazing clarity of thought and purpose.
I knew he had the Holy Spirit with him.
Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.
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