Do you ever stop and really reflect on the gift the Lord gave us when He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us? Do you recognize the Spirit within you?
Do you think about His love enduring forever? Forever. Always. No matter what.
God holds you and offers unfailing love just because you are precious to Him. It is a lot to comprehend. And yet we are told over and over, His love endures forever. He does all things for our good, even when we do not deserve it—especially when we do not deserve it.
Hardships are Expected
Here is the thing, He did not say this life on earth will be easy. No, actually the contrary. He told us this world will bring suffering! The Lord said hardships are expected—think of Christ crucified. The Son of God suffered the utmost pain and distress. However, knowing hardships are expected should lessen your fear of them. Jesus told His disciples to expect persecution. Don’t be surprised He told them.
In today’s gospel the disciples are only thinking of themselves. Jesus is preparing them for when He leaves and the Holy Spirit’s coming. All they can think about is being alone. They cannot fathom not having Jesus physically with them. They, of course, are not thinking about God’s overall plan. They do not yet know the power and importance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is trying to explain the vital role the Holy Spirit will have in the lives of all.
“He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
Know the Whole Story
We are fortunate to know the whole story. I often wonder how I would have reacted, had I not known. What a luxury we are given by seeing the entire story unfold verse by verse, page after page of our Bibles. And yet, how often do we still have a tight grip on what is comfortable and what we want to control rather than handing it over to God? How often do we dismiss that inner voice, the Holy Spirit, trying to help navigate us on the narrow path?
Holy Spirit Within Us
God sent the Holy Spirit to guide us in completing His mission. Although there is hardship, He did not abandon us. The Holy Spirit is WITHIN us. We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit tries to prune us by choking back the wrong in our lives. By allowing this pruning, we will grow closer to God, creating new life within us.
The daily examen is a great prayer that enables us to see what we struggle with in our spiritual lives. Step back from the busyness of your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you need pruning. And then listen. When we each do this, the whole church, the body of Christ, is strengthened. When the gifts of the Holy Spirit are used, the fruits of the Spirit can be put into effect and “your sorrow will turn to joy” (John 16:20).
