Am I Dependent Upon the Spirit?

A lady told of visiting a music class of disabled children. The teacher said, “Now, children, move your arms in rhythm to the music.” Only one little girl could keep with the beat perfectly. 

What was her secret? The instructor was standing behind the girl and moving her arms. The girl, totally relaxed, allowed the instructor to choose every move.

I think this concept is what Paul had in mind when he wrote Galatians 5:25: “If we live the by the (Holy) Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit—If by the (Holy) Spirit we have our life [in God], let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit” (Amp.).

“Am I dependent upon God?” is the basic question. If I’m a Sunday School teacher, am I content when all seem to enjoy the class and we have a good discussion, or am I unsatisfied unless I know that I’m depending upon the Holy Spirit? When I invite guests in, am I content with friendly chatter, or do I want to sense that the Holy Spirit has joined our fellowship?

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,” God said, speaking prophetically of Jesus in Isaiah 42:1. Could God say the same about us? Would He say, “She is depending upon Me. She only does the work that I enable her to do. She is the one I uphold”?

 Often we do see results when we forge ahead in our own strength. However, we soon discover that our own efforts are not lasting and, in the end, don’t accomplish God’s work. 

Jesus, thank You for caring so much about me that You willingly guide my thoughts and words.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).