Are You FAT? Unleashing the Power of the Holy Spirit
Pastor Grant Hendricks
19 May 2024
There are pressures in life that will mislead us. Yet, if we listen to the Holy Spirit, He will direct us into truth. Imagine walking and hearing a voice behind you saying, “Walk this way.” The Holy Spirit’s direction ensures we navigate life with God’s wisdom and clarity, ensuring we walk in favour and blessing. As we follow His guidance, we experience the fullness of truth, favour, and purpose.
Close your eyes and picture Jesus. He is speaking directly to you, assuring you of a future secured by the Holy Spirit saying “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” And then He promises, “I will not leave you orphans.” These powerful words from John 16:13 and John 14:18 offers a promise—we are never abandoned, never left without identity or belonging. As children of God, we are blessed with the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides us into all truth. Keep reading to explore how this promise can transform your life.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Let’s be clear, the Holy Spirit is not an “it”. Jesus emphasizes the personhood of the Holy Spirit, stating, The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force or wind; He is a person and part of the Trinity. John 14:16-17.
Are you Hungry?
The Holy Spirit stirs a deep hunger within us—a hunger for more of God’s presence. Acts 1:8 promises, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” This power enables us to connect with God, walk in authority, and declare His truth to the world. It’s a power that propels us to desire more of God, never settling for yesterday’s blessings.
Natural Hunger vs. Spiritual Hunger
1 Corinthians 15:46 says, “It’s first the natural and then the spirit.” We understand natural hunger well—it’s evident in our frequent visits to the fridge. But spiritual hunger operates similarly. Just as we open the fridge looking for something to satisfy, we must open our hearts to God, seeking His presence to satisfy our deepest longings. Our pursuit of God should be as intentional and fervent as our search for food!
Desperation
In times of famine, desperation drives us to seek food. Similarly, spiritual famine should drive us to pursue God fervently. In 2 Kings 6, the desperation in besieged Samaria led people to consume anything available. But in 2 Kings 7 four lepers, driven by faith, stepped into the Syrian camp, finding abundant provision. 2 Kings 7:8, “And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it.” This story illustrates that our desperation for God should propel us to move from places of lack to places of divine provision.
A Prophetic Act
The lepers’ journey was a prophetic act of faith. Despite their dire circumstances, they trusted in God’s provision and were met with abundance. This mirrors our spiritual journey. We must step out in faith, trusting God’s promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. As we do, we will encounter His provision and mercy, affirming that God’s plans are greater than our challenges.
Becoming F.A.T. for God: Fervent, Authentic, Tenacious
To truly embrace the Holy Spirit, we must become F.A.T.—Fervent, Authentic, and Tenacious:
- Fervent: A passionate pursuit of God, refusing to let go until we experience His blessings.
- Authentic: Being real with God, acknowledging our weaknesses, and seeking His presence genuinely.
- Tenacious: Holding on to God with unwavering faith, regardless of circumstances.
Seek and Be Filled
Matthew 5:6 promises, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” As we hunger for God, opening our hearts and lives to Him, He promises to fill us with His presence. Let’s commit to seeking Him with fervour, authenticity, and tenacity, trusting that He will guide us into all truth and satisfy our deepest desires.
It is time to invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew. Lift your hands and open your heart, declaring your hunger for more of God. As you seek Him fervently, authentically, and tenaciously, know that He promises to meet you, to fill you, and to guide you into all truth. If you desire to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, if you are hungry for more of God, take a step of faith today. Surrender your life to Jesus, invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within you, and pursue His presence daily.