How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Remain Flexible

How the Holy Spirit Helps Us Remain Flexible (Matt 26:42)

Illustration:Leadership in the local church should be determined by spirituality, not notoriety.

Tony Evans.

Illustration:Back in 1934, when the Cunard line was getting ready to name its greatest ocean liner, the consensus was that it should be named after Queen Elizabeth I. A high official is reported to have had an audience with King George V. "We would like to name the ship after England’s greatest queen," he told the king. "Well," said King George, "I shall have to ask her." The ship was promptly named Queen Mary.

Bits & Pieces, October 17, 1991.

1. The Holy Spirit keeps us flexible by reminding us to remain humble while trusting the Lord for our direction. David wrote, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. (Psa. 25:9) Ask the Lord to remind you to remain humble, teachable and available for whatever the Lord directs you to do or say or experience. Even as I wrote this sermon I was called out to use my jumper cables to help start a car that was desperately needed to take a woman in labor to the hospital. Flexibility is essential for life.

2. The Holy Spirit keeps us flexible by helping us follow Christ’s example when He prayed, "Lord, not as I will, be let your will be done." (Matt. 26:42) Ask the Lord to help you submit to His will, way and situations rather than becoming resentful about things that do not work out as you planned.

3. The Holy Spirit keeps us flexible by teaching us alternative ways to accomplish God’s will. Paul wrote, "I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while." (Rom. 15:24)

Example: Even though Paul never made it to Spain, he remained flexible as to where the Lord wanted him to go. Ask the Lord to help you remain pliable as to where the Lord wants you go.

4. The Holy Spirit may bring interruptions into your schedule for God’s special reasons. Paul wrote, "I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles." (Rom. 1:13)

Application:Do not resent interruptions as the Lord may allow them to come for the benefit of many.

5. The Holy Spirit may allow certain people to block your advancement so the Lord can build Godly character into your life. Peter wrote, "After you have suffered a little while, God will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (2 Pet. 5:10)

Example: Just as Job learned the importance of flexibility, allow the Lord to teach you how to refine your character.

6. The Holy Spirit sometimes allows disappointments to come into our life to teach us more about the Sovereign power of God. Job wrote, "Lord, now I know you can do all things and no purpose of yours can be thwarted." (Job 42:1,2)

Ask the Lord to help you to become more trusting and obedient even when you do not understand exactly what process God is taking you through.

7. The Holy Spirit teaches us more about our relationship with God when we remain flexible. Paul wrote, "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? (Rom. 9:21)

Ask the Lord to help you grow in all aspects into your relationship with Christ because of your increasing ability to adapt to any situation or crisis.

8. The Holy Spirit shows us how to cooperate better with other members of the body of Christ when we demonstrate flexibility. Peter wrote, "Young men, be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’" (I Pet. 5:5,6)

Ask the Lord to help you synergistically work together with all members of the body of Christ as you exhibit increased flexibility.

9. The Holy Spirit chastises stubborn and inflexible people. Paul wrote, "Since the Israelites did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness." (Rom. 10:3)

Ask the Lord to help you develop a healthy fear of God so that you do not become stubborn, proud and inflexible like the Israelites.

10. The Holy Spirit empowers flexible people who are willing to learn to be content in any situation. Paul wrote, "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I know what it is to be in need and I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." (Phil. 4:12,13)