Encouragement

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The Spirit: Our Comforter

We, as women, understand the power of intimacy in relationships. If you put a group of us together of similar goals and life situations, we'll start friendships that will seem like they've been around forever. We'll exchange phone numbers and emails. You don't have to worry about us staying in touch. It comes naturally.

We also need intimacy from our relationships. We're strong and yet tender-hearted. We dish it, but can't take it. We crave to be close with others and our relationship with God must be an intimate one.

God anticipated our need for intimacy. When Jesus left the world, He sent the Holy Spirit to be all that Jesus Christ could not be. Jesus could be in one place, the Spirit could be in all places. Jesus's voice could be heard by whoever was near Him. The Spirit's voice could be heard by all people at the same time.

There have been times when the Spirit of God has rescued me from myself. Life has devastated me to the point of hopeless. But when I cried to the Lord, He heard me. He responded to my needs. When He spoke to me through His Holy Spirit, He gave me peace.

The God Experience is like being wrapped in big bedspread, warm from the dryer. His embrace surrounds us entirely, closing out every negative force. His love is refreshing and new each time He speaks to us. The Spirit is gentle, forgiving, and wise.

Daniel understood the comfort of the Holy Spirit. When he was forced to choose between his God and the king's idol, he knew it would cost him his life. He was surrounded by friends, but still felt small in the eyes of the nation, as they looked on to see the kings decree. Think of the other Israelites, who stood in fear for the young men. Secretly, they cheered. But outwardly, they caved in.

Like the King of Babylon, society puts us in situations where we have to choose to do what is right, or what is against the Word of God. Not only will our decisions be seen by others, but the wrong decision could cost us job opportunities, promotions, and financial blessings. It feels lonely to make these decisions with no help from a silent God. But then, God is not silent. The Spirit is always willing to speak to those who will listen.

When Daniel and his friends went into the fire, they stood amongst great heat and fire. As they opened their eyes, they saw the Spirit of God like an angel, who said no words, but stood with them until they came out of the fire.

Understand, dear sister, that the Spirit of God is with you in the fire you are experiencing now. You may not have shared your situation with anyone. But while the fire is burning hot, the Spirit is with you. He's your sign that the Lord has heard your petition. He is your ears when you want to vent, moan, and cry yourself to sleep.

And He will be the hand that leads you out of the fire, when God sets a table before you, right in front of your enemies (Psalm 23:5).

The Holy Spirit is our companion through the toughest ordeals in our lives. Wrap yourself in the blanket of His embrace and receive your comfort today.
Be Blessed,

Christine Pembleton

© 2007 by Christine Pembleton. All Rights Reserved.

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