“When the Spirit is given to us from heaven, deserts will become orchards thick as fertile forests.”
Isaiah 32:15 CEVDCI
The past weekend, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday; a day when the promise of the Father rested and abode in God’s people, as Jesus had indicated before He ascended. During the time Jesus was in the world, many of His followers witnessed Him do wonders and bring everlasting transformation into their lives. So, when He was about to leave, He commissioned them to go into all the world and do what He did, and even more. However, they needed someone who would not just walk through life with them, but who would become one with them. They needed someone who would abide in them and take over their thoughts, resulting in a completely different way of living (the God way of living).
Therefore, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come and do just that. He would help God’s people, and Jesus emphasised that everything the Spirit would tell them would be from God. After a time of waiting, the Spirit of God did come as promised, and lives were transformed into God’s image and likeness.
How can we tell that He has come into one’s life? We can tell when there is a noticeable difference in the way a person lives, thinks, and relates to others, among many other things. He always brings a distinct change. Once you encounter Him, your life changes, and you are no longer helpless. The greatest Helper lives in you, and He brings solutions for anything, in you and through you.
Romans 8 states: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” The help that the Holy Spirit offers and is; applies to any circumstance. Whether you are absent minded or fully present, He is there operating at full capacity. Weakness can be defined as any limitation that constrains us from being and doing, but the Holy Spirit has come to help us fulfil our life’s purpose, even in that state or season.
During times when society expects you to act a certain way because you are tired, worn out, in pain, or hurting, the Spirit helps you by bringing a different perspective. Because of this, you can still operate in your full capacity.
In your weakness, He brings strength, empowers you, and comforts you on the days you feel hopeless.
As Ephesians 3:16 (NIV) says: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” It is only through the Holy Spirit that this can happen. God’s Spirit did not just come to make us look good; He came to clothe us with strength and power. There is so much we need to fulfil, and while our human capacity can only do so much, the Spirit of God can do it all. That is the very same Spirit living in you now; or desiring to live in you.
Our own resources can only take us to a specific point, but the Holy Spirit can go the extra mile with you. He can help by giving you rest when sleep seems impossible. When the journey looks foggy, He assures you that you are still on the right path. Unlike human navigation services, He never loses connection. His recommendations are not based on human experience or knowledge, but on His truth; because He has already walked that road and prepared it for you.
Accept His help, and allow Him to shape you into a version of yourself you never thought existed. Have you ever walked into a room and thought to yourself that the room was too big for you? Did you think you would only be ready to return in three or five years? At that exact point; where our own resources, knowledge, or experience cease; the Spirit steps in to help us become. He can help us become what we think only time can accomplish. For instance, Mary thought a woman had to be with a man to conceive. However, the Spirit was the one who made it possible, and He did. Therefore, there is no limitation to what He can do.
Prophet Isaiah said that when the Spirit comes, what was once a desert will become a fruitful field; and other translations say a garden. What once looked like a forgotten place, situation, or dream will turn out to be something beautiful after all. But this only happens when the Spirit comes upon it. Isaiah noted that it would become not just a field, but a forest. Hallelujah! There are levels He wants to take us to; levels that would be impossible if they were left up to us or the standards of this world.
Didn’t the same thing happen with Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones? Who could have thought those dry bones belonged to a vast army of people? They had been there for years, completely hopeless, but the Holy Spirit intervened. In their absolute weakness, He arrived with help. What was once a hopeless situation was transformed into a living people, breathing and functioning exactly as God intended.
I remember a couple of years ago, I came across three young boys walking home from school. They were just talking about life and their day, and I took the opportunity to tell them how much God loves them. They wanted to hear more. We met a couple of times just to talk about Jesus, and soon, the number grew. They told their friends, their families, and their neighbours. Seeing this growth, one of our church leaders suggested we find a space close by where they could fellowship regularly.
We searched until we found a place that had been deserted for years. When we approached the owner and offered to pay rent, he told us to fix the place up first; I think he doubted we were ready for such a task. But we did it. What was once a deserted place turned into a church: a sanctuary where God’s people can meet and fellowship. As word spread, people wanted to come and see for themselves if a place everyone thought was dead had truly come alive as a dwelling place for God.
The Holy Spirit’s help does exactly that: He transforms radically. Whichever area of your life needs change, give it to Him. Hand it over to Him, and let Him help you transform it.
Whether it is a career that looks hopeless, a marriage that seems to be failing, studies that are not working out, parenting that is simply too hard and demanding, a business that is missing its monthly targets, health that is failing to respond, or a healing journey that keeps resetting to the starting point; no matter what it is, allow the Holy Spirit to help you in this state where you feel helpless. If a desert can turn into a garden and a forest, imagine the beauty and peace He is about to bring into your situation.
“There is hope for a tree that has been cut down; it can come back to life and sprout. Even though its roots grow old, and its stump dies in the ground, with water it will sprout like a young plant.” Job 14:7-9.
A tree needs water to survive, and by water alone, a tree that was cut down can come back to life and do exactly what it was created to do. What about you? You are a spiritual being; help from the Holy Spirit will awaken everything in your life and along your path. You will rise again as if you were never sick, unemployed, hurt, in lack, betrayed, or unfruitful. Like a young plant ready to burst forth with life, you will rise; just allow the Spirit to help you.
He has come as promised; welcome Him into your life. He brings abundant grace so you don’t have to rely solely on your own strength. He wants to lead you to the streams of living water the Bible speaks of. Even when you find yourself in the valley of darkness, depression, or anxiety, He wants to remove your fear so you can recognize His help. His assistance is always available; simply accept it.
The journey ahead is long and great , and His help is more than enough for any circumstance. You are in the right hands.
Let’s pray;
I pray that the Spirit of God rests upon you, clothing you with His power. May He dwell within you, so that He alone occupies your thoughts and directs your ways. Where there seems to be no movement, I pray you will perceive and accept His divine help. May He overshadow every circumstance you find yourself in today, in Jesus’ name. I pray for heavenly help to locate you; may your dry field be transformed into a garden, and then into a mighty forest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for living in us and marking us as God’s children. Thank you for your help that is always ready for us. Thank you for being our best companion in this life; we honor you. Thank you for bringing hope into people’s lives, and for turning deserts into gardens and forests. Thank you for restoring peace, joy, and love back into God’s people. In Jesus name, Amen!!