The Helper -1

The Helper -1

Romans 8:27 “The Spirit . . . intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

The Father has given us an incredible gift by sending the Helper to dwell in us. He is like an ambassador that represents the policies of His homeland and serves the host nation by translating its messages into the appropriate language. The Holy Spirit faithfully conveys to us the Father’s will in a way we understand, and He represents us before God in a manner worthy of His righteous name. Paul wrote these words in Romans 8:26-27 “The Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

What is our weakness in having a conversation with the Father? At times we do not know how to express the full depth of our desires or feelings; nor do we realize what we need. Sometimes we are so exhausted, in spirit, mind, and body, that we can hardly get enough energy to open our mouth. There are some times when discouragement takes such a strong hold of our hearts that we cannot imagine a way out of our painful circumstances, and all we can ask is for the Father to help us. Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever been so troubled by things that helplessness takes over? You struggle to find a reason to keep fighting, but you are so tired and overwhelmed that you just want to give up? Be assured that the Helper sees the depths of your problems and He translates your feelings better than you ever could. And He comforts you with the knowledge that He understands what you need. You should never be afraid whether or not God will acknowledge the cries of your heart because the Holy Spirit transforms your petitions into acceptable and pleasing sacrifices (Rev. 5:8). He guarantees that your tribulations are not in vain, but they will build you up in the faith if you respond to Him in obedience.

Do not miss what I said: Responding to the Holy Spirit in obedience. This part of the conversation is yours – your willing submission to what the Holy Spirit tells you. He teaches you how to listen to the Father, communicating the truth in a way that you can receive. According to your spiritual maturity, He shows you how to apply biblical principles to your life. Your part is to obey Him, and as you do, He strengthens you (1 Peter 5:10). It is not a mystery how Paul was able to endure heartache and persecution. He learned to walk by the Spirit. He explains in Galatians 5:16-25 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

Paul learned to deal with his troubles in God’s way and not the ways of the world. When we have troubles our human nature tries to express it or quench it in ungodly ways: through possessions, addictions, or immorality. Paul realized that if he listened to the Spirit and handled adversity like Jesus would then he would be set free from the worries and discouragements of this life. You can do this too. You can crucify the desires of the flesh. The things that are destroying you and causing you heartache day by day, you can put them all to death by learning to walk in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit means obeying His promptings. You do so by going through each day aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence with you. You submit to Him as you feel Him pulling you in a certain direction or tugging at your heart to take a particular course of action, even if you do not quite understand why He is doing it. You might be convicted to drop a conversation, turn away from a television program, or leave a place that is questionable. Whatever it is, do it immediately, the Spirit is warning you about a temptation to sin that you might not be able to resist unless you obey Him instantly.

Perhaps there is someone that comes to your mind during the day. You know he or she has been going through a hard time and could use some support. The Spirit will give you the right words to encourage him or her. He wants to minister to that person through you and He is sure to bless you as you obey. The Holy Spirit might guide you to do something or to take a risk that you never imagined that you would. The smartest thing to do is to submit to His plan, regardless of whether it makes sense to you or not. The Spirit of the living God knows all things, including the future, and His direction is always for your benefit.

Dale

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