Holy Spirit's 'coming'

Acts 19 : 1 - 8

I have wondered what it must have felt like for the Holy Spirit to "come on them", as the twelve men in Ephesus were baptised by Paul. The men immediately manifested the gifts of tongues and prophecy. As we know, this does not happen too often, when people are baptised in our churches. And yet, we do trust and believe that the people who are baptised today are baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This issue about whether the manifestation of outward gifts as a sign is truly necessary creates a divide between the more conservative and the more 'charismatic' groups.

But whether outwardly obvious or not, all agree that there is a power and enabling that comes with the Holy Spirit's presence in one's life. There is no way we can be Christian without the empowerment of the Spirit. But what this 'feels' like and how exactly that is experienced will differ for each individual. I am curious, but more than that, I do pray for myself - to be strengthened with power through the Spirit, in my inner being (Eph 3: 16). Perhaps an appropriate desire at this time, as we look towards Pentecost.

I know how helpful it is to have a 'helper' at home. The past few months my son has been doing house chores to earn some pocket money while waiting for results. He is going to start at university on Wednesday. And I will lose a willing helper. Although I have been grateful for his help, I may not have been too aware of how it has freed me for other things. The Spirit, our inner 'Helper' is much more than someone who helps with chores. He actually empowers and enables from within. One thing I know - that I have to realize my need and open myself up before He can truly come in to help. I may have been too full of my own efficiency. I believe the Spirit comes most readily to those who acknowledge their weakness and ask for help.....waiting expectantly, trustfully...