Take time to know the Holy Spirit

I held my mid-school band concert on Dec. 19. It turned out great because everyone did exactly what they had been training to do.

The next day at school was supposed to be our “celebration” party for doing a good job but, in my heart, I just knew this was not going to happen.

How did I know this? Well, all day long, the National Weather Service warning of impending freezing rain had been hanging over my head. It was supposed to start at 8 p.m.

I had been having long conversations with God all day about the weather and the safety of my students. In the end, I just put it in his hands and proceeded from there.

The concert went on, the weather held off, and the Holy Spirit gave me the insight to let the students know that if we happened to have a “snow day” the next day, I would let them celebrate when we got back from Christmas break so they wouldn’t be disappointed.

My principal thought I was being dramatic about having a snow day the next day, but when I woke up the next morning, everything was covered with a layer of ice and school was canceled.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. It is part of being Christian to be able to interact with the Holy Spirit in a very personal way. But how does the Holy Spirit work?

Dr. Charles Stanley says this: “Spiritual power is the divine energy God is willing to express in and through us and the divine authority needed to carry out the work God has called us to do.”

You cannot control the power of the Holy Spirit, but it’s freely given to each one of us who willingly summits himself or herself to God.

God wants what is best for all of us, and the Holy Spirit is one of God’s gifts to us. The power of the Holy Spirit comes in three ways:

First through Fruits of the Spirit. It enables us to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All of these are characteristics of Christ which we show to the world.

Secondly, through our witness. The Holy Spirit is always there to help us glorify God.

Thirdly, through our work. The Holy Spirit helps us carry out God’s work in whatever way we are able.

I hope you spend some time getting to know this wonderful Spirit.