Tuning in to the Holy Spirit doesn’t come naturally for many people. When the Holy Spirit came during the Feast of Pentecost, there was no missing it. Everyone was overwhelmed by the Spirit.
1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. (Acts 2:1-4 MSG)
What do you do if you have never felt God or felt the leading of the Holy Spirit? Does that mean there is something wrong? Does it mean you faith isn’t’ strong enough? No! Emphatically, no.
I was asked these questions years ago by someone genuinely wanting to know God’s presence. To be honest, this was hard for me. I have had several profound experiences with the Holy Spirit. I often feel guided in my daily journey. Why is that? Why me and not someone else? The real answer is, “I don’t know.”
Here is what I do know. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that this is complex and often misunderstood, and that we should lean on our knowledge of God. We need to lean on what we know is true about God, God’s character.
God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. (1 Corinthians 2:4-6 MSG).
The Holy Spirit is promised to us. We have it whether we feel it or not. Waiting for a certain feeling is an expectation that doesn’t work. That implies we know what it should feel like. It also implies that God only speaks to us in a certain way. Rather, I would encourage us to focus on God. Lean in through prayer and worship. Then do what you are led to do that is in line with God’s character.
Tuning in to the Holy Spirit is easier than you imagine. That person who is always on your mind; call them. That person struggling to put food on the table; buy them some groceries. That nudge to volunteer; jump in and do it. The sense that you need to pray; heed it. These are leadings of the Holy Spirit. Starting here will help us learn how God’s Spirit is working within us.
How are you tuning in to God’s Spirit within you? How do you know you are being led? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.
I have a friend who believes that if you haven’t spoken in tongues or prophesied, then you aren’t baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Bible has given each of us a gift. I am a terrible hostess. My husband loves to have people over. I am good at listening to teens. My husband thinks teenagers are crazy. The Holy Spirit leads me to love teens and volunteer my time with them. My husband is lead to feed and make people feel at home – this is also a gift of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit is personal and doesn’t give the same gifts to all believers. That’s how we can minister to so many different people around us to share God’s truth.
I agree with you, Katie. I believe we all get different gifts and speaking in tongues is one gift.