A horrible wind blew through my home state of Colorado today.
While snow and rain blanketed the mountains to the west, a violent wind ripped through the eastern plains, making my windows rattle and the trees bend. For several hours, I listened to it shriek like a wild beast, intent on destruction, and wondered if our roof and walls would remain intact. Not much scares me, but this caused me concern. And although I could see a bit of blue sky and sunshine through the clouds outside my windows, I knew any pretense of calm was deceptive. The wind and bitter cold made me reticent to step outside.
Acts 2 tells the story of another violent wind on the day of Pentecost. However, this wind delivered life, not the threat of death:
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:1-2 (NIV)
To a group of shaking disciples still recovering from the traumatic death and resurrection of their Savior, the wind of the Spirit fell in its fullness, causing men like Peter, James, and John to transform from bumbling, timid fishermen-turned-followers into fearless leaders of the new Christian church and proclaimers of the good news. Rather than holing up inside, this violent wind caused them to boldly step out into the world with a powerful message:
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)
I can almost hear the windows rattle at the sound of Peter’s words. In a moment, these men became fierce warriors for the gospel — not because they got more training or finally finished their advanced degree, not because they beefed up their resume and gathered impressive references. The disciples evangelized and the early church exploded for two reasons:
- Jesus was alive!
- The Holy Spirit moved in power.
We’re now a couple of thousand years from that first Pentecost and a couple of weeks past this year’s Easter holiday. Even so, the same two reasons hold true.
Jesus is alive. Hallelujah! We know and celebrate this truth not only on Easter but every day when we choose to gaze at the empty cross and remember the true reason for our hope.
And the same Spirit who blew like a violent wind and empowered the disciples to boldly share the good news is able to do the same for us. He is here, living and active, ready to speak words of comfort and courage to each of us who believe in Jesus.
So, will we let Him rattle our windows and shake us from our complacency? Will we dare to invite His holy disruption and ask Him to empower us to follow Him with courage?
This is a wind we can’t afford to ignore. Not because it threatens death and destruction but because He promises life. If you dare, pray this prayer with me today:
Spirit, come! Blow into every corner of my life and fill me with the power of Your presence. Lead me where You want me to go and give me the words You want me to speak. May I live on mission with You, today and every day, for the glory of our living Jesus. Amen!
“The Spirit ready to speak comfort AND courage”… What precious words of truth! Thank you Michele for sharing. Blessings!
Yes! What a gift, that our Father knows we need both.
Good morning Young Soldiers, we are on the Battlefield for the Lord !
I remember this song during Vacation Bible School when I was in grammar school. Oh how thankful I am for my Grandmother and mother who sent me to VBS. Lessons were taught in fun and creative ways to make children competitive for Bible memory verses, locating the Books of the Bible with speed and explaining the love of Christ on a level children could understand and apply to their little lives. When we grow up, sometimes we get our eyes on different things instead of keeping focus on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Believers are so blessed because we are growing in love and compassion for others. The Holy Spirit is teaching us the Truth. We are learning about true forgiveness and how it’s a decision not a feeling. It’s wonderful to be brought up in a family who respects the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Though many things I did not understand until now (63 years old) and I am still learning to be a better student. We can decide to become Disciples, Believers using discipline with love and truth as the Holy Spirit guides the lessons.
You know what, this Christian Journey takes a lifetime and we are bound for Glory and to live as witnesses of God’s Grace and Mercy in our Journey.
Thank You Lord for Your plans for my life.
Brenda
God’s Beloved Daughter
I remember that same song from VBS, Brenda! Like you, I’m deeply thankful for my Christian heritage and the many adults who poured scripture into me at such a young age.
Thank you for this empowering prayer and the reminder that “Jesus is alive and the Holy Spirit is moving in power,” not qualifications, that win the day.
Oh how easily I forget that it’s not about my qualifications but HIS. Glory!
A beautiful prayer, thank you.
Be encouraged, Susen. He is with us!
I am new to this site and am so astounded that I found it, or was I led by the Holy Spirit?!!! Thank you for this precious mediation.
Welcome to the (in)Courage family, Mary! We are so honored that you are here!
Oh! You must live near me. I’m in Broomfield and those winds last week abutting Superior. And oi. Sustained winds around 60ish mph w/ gusts up to 80mph for some of it. Avg 40ish mph w/ 60mph gusts. ALL DAY. I was so glad when it ended and was finally QUIET. Also, post Marshall Fire I have wind PTSD now. However, I love the analogy of this so much. Thank you for sharing!
*wow. Haven’t finished my coffee. Let’s try that again – I’m in Broomfield, abutting Superior and those winds… 🙂
I needed to hear these words this morning. Thank you so much!
This post was almost uncanny. I was sitting in a car line recently and the wind was making all the trees, especially the tallest ones sway in what looked like a beautiful dance. The leaves were changing colors from pale to dark green as the light caught them in their movements. The small bushes moved more rapidly while the larger trees swayed in an entirely different direction and speed. And I thought of the Holy Spirit. How I cannot see him with my physical eyes, but like the wind I see his presence and work. In the same way the trees were moving from the winds power – I prayed that I would allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life – in a multitude of speeds and directions – creating a beautiful dance in my life. I really appreciated your post. So often I lose focus of the very spirit Jesus left with us. Thank you for the reminder.
Amen to your prayer, Michele!
Michele,
The church of today needs more people like Peter, James & John. We need fearless leaders who preach the gospel of truth. I heard a sermon last Sunday that stated churches are dying & millennials are leaving the church. The popular idea is to make church “fun”. We must have food/drinks & just the right music. Don’t get me started on some TV preachers who only preach feel good sermons. This country needs Christian leaders who will stand their ground & speak the truth no matter what. Today I’m asking the Holy Spirit to empower me & many around the country. Give us a holy fire for God. I’m following Him with courage & conviction.
Blessings 🙂
very clear and good article easy to understand. Thank you