MY STRENGTHSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: The Lord will fill you with the Holy Spirit, Who will strengthen you in all your weakness. The Lord will fill you with the Holy Spirit, Who will strengthen you in all your weakness.
Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
I lost my only beloved sister Angel in a gruesome accident, which took place on the 21st of May 1986. We as a family were shattered. In the first page of her diary, she had written, "Everyday my father kisses me. I value the kisses very much in my life." We read these words only after her demise. When my father saw those words, overwhelmed with sorrow he lamented and wept saying, "Dear Angel! Have you left us all alone? How can I ever kiss you? Where have you gone?".
Besides being drenched in inexpressible agony, questions such as the following arose in my mind, "Have we not lived a truthful life before the Lord Jesus Christ? Did we not minister sincerely unto Him? Did we not fervently pray with tears day and night for others in His name? For the sake of the Lord did we not forsake our own health and family well-being and reach out to those in need?" and we were greatly troubled.
Reading the Bible and praying became a difficult task. I tried to pray as, "Lord where is Your love and compassion? Why did you take Angel from me? People have started preaching, speaking and spreading unnecessary rumors about us. Why this agony? Are You truly a God of goodness?" were the questions that popped up in my mind's screen like the waves in the sea. For two months, I was unable to meditate upon God's word and pray properly.
One day, we knelt down as usual for our family prayer. At that moment, the Holy Spirit filled, strengthened, lifted and enabled us to once again stand before thousands of people to say about the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even without our knowledge, we began to praise and glorify God. We are able to do this just because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Amidst of all our own sorrows and sufferings we are able to understand and bear the sufferings of other people and pray with real compassion for them. On that day, we held Him steadfastly and firmly. His glorious divine presence encompasses us always.
Romans 8:26 says that the Holy Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. He knows well the will of God regarding our lives. So, He intercedes for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. When the presence of God fill us, we will be strengthened with His relation. In our weakness, we receive power and strength and live triumphant lives.
Do you grieve losing the divine presence of God? When you pass through sufferings or experience sorrow, hardships, plight misery and wretchedness, let not your heart be troubled! Pray to the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He will surely help you in your distress.
When He comes into you, you will begin to praise and glorify God, even without your knowledge. The Holy Spirit will make you realize that God loves you, when you are in distress. This will plant a magnificent faith in your spirit.
Dear friend, today, the Lord would do the same thing in your life too. Do not despair. Would you please pray, “Lord, I am much disheartened. Kindly strengthen me by filling with the Holy Spirit, so that I could praise and glorify you." The Holy Spirit will descend upon you. He will transform you as a person who will bring blessings to others.
Prayer:
Loving Lord,
Pour out Your anointing of the Holy Spirit and bless me with Your divine power. Strengthen me in all my weaknesses. When You allow afflictions in my life, please lead me through this path, so that I will become a mighty vessel used by You. Mould my heart to look up to You and behold Your divine face. Restore joy in my heart to walk in Your truth.
In Jesus matchless name, I pray.
Amen.
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