Having the Holy Spirit have a monopoly on us (Ephesians 3:20)

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:20 (TM) - larger reading Ephesians 3:14-21

God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

STORY:

Moody was to have a campaign in England. An elderly pastor protested, "Why do we need this 'Mr. Moody'? He's uneducated, inexperienced, etc. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he think he has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?" A younger, wiser pastor rose and responded, "No, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Mr. Moody."

OBSERVATION:

Paul is praying for the Ephesians. He is praying that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. He was praying that their hearts and minds and souls would be saturated with the power that God can only give. Paul was praying that the Holy Spirit would have a monopoly on them. Oh, to wish that a person like Paul would be so praying for the likes of you and me.

When it comes to walking the walk and talking the talk we seem so powerless. The struggle is nearly nightly. Sleepless nights become the norm. The feeling of failed ministry and missed opportunity dominates the mind and heart. The “if onlys” take control and causes the spiritual train to jump the track. Is this your experience as it is mine?

Maybe if we open ourselves up to the power of the Holy Spirit, trusting God more completely, laying aside our own agendas, face the reality of what needs to change within and without… then, just maybe our “wildest dream” moments will become a reality. Maybe, just maybe the Holy Spirit will have a monopoly on us. Maybe, just maybe…

PRAYER:

Come Holy Spirit and do your thing on us. As you did it at Pentecost do it again today, do it now, do it with us. Come Holy Spirit and do your thing!