The Holy Spirit is such a kind and helpful friend, especially when we have one of those momentary memory lapses where we forget why we have been placed on this planet. I had one of those moments recently. I was walking through a store when I passed by the pharmacy. As, I started to turn the corner a lady almost bumped into me with her shopping cart. Then I noticed she was speaking to me—very quietly.
I leaned in closer, and she asked me if I knew of a good medication for inflammation. I’m not a pharmacist, but I suggested Ibuprofen. Her expression revealed that was not exactly what she was talking about. So, I asked for more information, “Joint pain, or inflammation of the joints? You could try Glucosamine maybe?” She looked at me, smiled weakly and said, “I’ll keep looking I guess.” I told her the pharmacist could probably give her better advice, and I turned and walked away.
I had walked no more than two aisles from where we were speaking when I heard that familiar still small voice. “Who are you?” He asked. I stopped dead in my tracks. Once again, He asked me, “Who are you, Donna? Have you forgotten? You may not have the answer to her questions about medicine, but you carry something far more valuable than that.”
Oh, my goodness! Where was my brain? Normally I would have immediately offered to pray for anyone who mentioned the slightest ache. Yet, after social distancing, masks, quarantine, and all things COVID, I think I have become accustomed to seclusion. I think I have unconsciously avoided interaction with those around me, completely blind to their needs, even when they are blatantly obvious!
I hurried back to where I left her. She was still standing there. I walked up to her and said, “I don’t think you stopped me by coincidence. You see, I’m an evangelist, and I wholeheartedly believe in the healing power of Jesus. Do you mind if I pray for you?” She looked at me and said, “I would like that.”
I placed my hand on her shoulder, and as I began to pray for my new friend, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit fall powerfully right there in the aisle of the store. She looked at me and said, “Wow, where do you go to church?” We continued to talk briefly. Walking away with my heart overflowing with joy, I felt that approving nod from my best friend—the Holy Spirit.
How easy it is to forget who we are and what we carry. I was reminded of Peter and John as they met the lame man begging for alms outside the temple gate. The beggar asked for alms, and Peter and John had none. But, without hesitation they told the lame man what they did have. And it was much better than silver or gold. In the Name of Jesus Christ, they took the man by the hand and raised him to his feet, and he began to walk.
Peter and John had spent time in the upper room—waiting just as Jesus had asked them to—when they received power from on high. They were baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues. They experienced a new holy boldness, and a divine shift in their identity. They now realized who they were in Jesus, and what power they carried within them.
Situations may have caused you to shift your gaze in other directions. You may feel as if you have been temporarily disengaged from your purpose. But don’t you dare forget who, and more importantly, whose you are. Remember the power you carry through the Holy Spirit. Pray in the Spirit daily and be ready to step out immediately when presented with the opportunity. He will definitely provide plenty of opportunities.
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
Acts 3:6 KJV