Unfurling Our Sails to Catch the Wind of the Spirit
The Christian life is often likened to a marathon, where we’re called to persevere and run with endurance. As Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, we’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, urging us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles.
The Power of Being Filled with the Spirit
When we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re not just stationary vessels brimming with joy and peace. Rather, we’re empowered to take action, to speak God’s Word boldly, to endure persecution, and to care for others. The Holy Spirit produces movement, direction, and empowerment in our lives.
The Sail Analogy
A more fitting image for being filled with the Spirit is that of a sail. As the wind fills the sail, it gives direction and empowerment. Similarly, when we’re filled with the Spirit, He steers us into God’s mission and prepares us for good works. However, sin and other hindrances can threaten to entangle us, much like knots tied in the sail.
Identifying the Knots in Our Sails
What are the common knots that hinder our spiritual progress? For many of us, self-interest is a major obstacle. We get sidetracked by distractions, trivial concerns, and fears. Other potential knots include habitual sin, addictions, or the love of money. As we identify these hindrances, we can confess them, fix our eyes on Jesus, and allow the wind of the Spirit to propel us forward.
Untying the Knots
How can we “untie the knot” and allow the Spirit to direct and empower us? By confessing our sins and hindrances, we can begin to throw them off. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and allow the Spirit to guide us into God’s mission.
A Prayer for Empowerment
Lord, I confess that I often become entangled by sin and other hindrances to walking in your ways and in your power. Open my eyes to see hindrances I might be blind to, and show me what it looks like to throw them off, that I might be more fully directed and empowered by your Spirit. Thank you for filling me with the means to accomplish your purposes in the world. Amen.
Leave a Reply