Living Spirit-Led

Catching the Wind: Embracing the Power of the Holy Spirit

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly rowing against the current, exhausting ourselves in pursuit of spiritual growth and purpose. But what if there was a better way? What if, instead of striving in our own strength, we could harness a power far greater than ourselves?

This is the essence of “catching the wind” – learning to live by the power of the Holy Spirit rather than relying on our own limited abilities. It’s about understanding that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives within every believer, waiting to be unleashed.

The early church experienced this power firsthand. In Acts 2:1-4, we read about the day of Pentecost when the believers were gathered together:

“Suddenly there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”

This dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit wasn’t just a one-time event for the early church. It was the beginning of a new era – the church age – where the Holy Spirit would govern, direct, and empower believers to continue Jesus’ mission on earth.

But here’s the challenge: Are we truly living in this power today? Or have we become content with rowing in our own strength, missing out on the mighty wind God wants to fill our sails?

To catch this divine wind, we must first understand some key truths:

1. Jesus’ departure was our empowerment When Jesus ascended to heaven, He didn’t leave us powerless. In fact, He said it was better for Him to go so that the Holy Spirit could come (John 16:7). His physical absence makes way for the Spirit’s omnipresence in the lives of believers worldwide.
2. God’s promises require the Holy Spirit’s power The incredible promises Jesus made – like believers doing even greater works than He did (John 14:12) – aren’t accomplished through human effort alone. They require us to surrender to and be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
3. We must stop chasing the wind and start catching it King Solomon spoke of the futility of “chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes). Similarly, we can exhaust ourselves running after spiritual experiences or trying to conjure up God’s presence. Instead, we need to learn to catch the wind that’s already blowing – the ever-present Holy Spirit.

So how do we practically position ourselves to catch this divine wind?

1. Embrace unity The Holy Spirit works both individually and corporately. When believers come together in true unity, setting aside pride and petty differences, we create an environment where the Spirit can move powerfully. As Paul urges in Ephesians 4:3, we must “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
2. Be open to correction The Holy Spirit doesn’t just empower; He also corrects. But correction only hurts when pride is present. If we can humble ourselves and be teachable, the Spirit can shape us into more effective instruments for God’s purposes.
3. Focus on what truly matters It’s easy to get caught up in debates over non-essential doctrines or practices. Instead, we need to unite around the core truths of the faith and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
4. Serve one another The Holy Spirit empowers us not for our own glory, but to serve others and build up the body of Christ. When we use our spiritual gifts with humility and love, we create a beautiful harmony that attracts others to Jesus.
5. Stay expectant Just like sailors watching for the first ripple on the water that signals the coming wind, we need to cultivate an attitude of expectancy. The Holy Spirit is always moving, always working. Are we positioned to catch that wind when it blows?

Living a Spirit-led life isn’t about passivity. Think of a sailboat – while the wind provides the power, the sailors must still work to position the sails correctly, navigate obstacles, and steer towards the destination. Similarly, partnering with the Holy Spirit requires our active participation and cooperation.

As we learn to catch the wind of the Spirit, we’ll find ourselves moving in directions and accomplishing things we never could have in our own strength. We’ll experience the exhilaration of being carried by a power far greater than ourselves, much like the feeling of a sailboat gliding effortlessly across the water when it catches the perfect gust.

This journey of catching the divine wind isn’t always easy. It requires surrendering our own agendas, being willing to move out of our comfort zones, and sometimes waiting patiently for the Spirit’s timing. But the alternative – exhausting ourselves trying to row in our own strength – is far less appealing.

So today, let’s make a decision. Instead of chasing after our own ambitions or striving to create spiritual experiences, let’s position our sails to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit. Let’s surrender our understanding and preconceptions, asking God to guide us into a new way of living and moving in step with His Spirit.

The wind is already blowing. The power is available. The question is: Are we ready to catch it?

As we close, let this be our prayer:

“Holy Spirit, we recognize that You are always moving, always working. Open our eyes to see where You’re leading. Help us to position ourselves – both individually and as a church – to catch Your wind. We surrender our own ambitions and desire only to move in the direction You’re blowing. Empower us, guide us, and use us for Your glory. Amen.”

May we all learn to catch the wind and experience the exhilarating, purpose-filled life that comes from being carried by the power of the Holy Spirit.