Faith to Seek the Holy Spirit

Ps Belinda Varlow - INChurch Sydney

Have you ever experienced the joy of finding the perfect gift for someone you love? Recently, I ordered something special for my husband—a gift I knew he’d enjoy. After some searching, I found just the right item and made the purchase. When the payment went through, I received the receipt and confirmation. I was thrilled, knowing it was on its way. All I had to do was wait for it to arrive.

Faith works in a similar way. God’s promises in His Word are like that perfect gift. When we trust Him, we receive the “confirmation” in our spirit that His promises are true and will be fulfilled. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Just as you believed Jesus purchased your salvation, receiving forgiveness and grace by faith, you can eagerly expect the Holy Spirit. This was God’s promise through the prophet Joel:

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28)

God’s people waited in eager anticipation over centuries for this promise. In John 14, Jesus encouraged His followers to expect the Holy Spirit, describing the Holy Spirit as a Person, our Helper, Spirit of Truth, and Teacher—someone who reminds us of His words, tells us of things to come, convicts the world of sin, and glorifies Jesus. What a joy to welcome His amazing presence into your life!

The fulfillment of this promise came in Acts 2 as the disciples, united in prayer and expectation, were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit:

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)

How did they receive the Holy Spirit? How do we? Through faith. Galatians 3:14 says, we receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Just as we trust Him for the gift of salvation, we trust Him to fill us with His Spirit.

If you struggle with faith, take heart. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” As you immerse yourself in Scripture, pray, and open your heart, your faith will grow.

Reflect

Are you expectant to receive the Holy Spirit?

Why do you think the Bible calls us to be continually filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)?

What step of faith could you take today to deepen your relationship with the Spirit?

Are you earnestly desiring the spiritual gifts? (1 Cor 14.1)

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I choose to eagerly desire your Spirit today. Increase my faith as I seek you. Fill me with your Spirit. I receive your presence, power, guidance and help. I receive all the spiritual gifts that you have for me and believe for others in my life to be filled as well. May they prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions. Amen