A Life Empowered by the Helper

by Natalie Maglaris

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and
be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither
sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17

Praise God for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, our helper, who
empowers us to live a life that glorifies Him. We first encounter the Holy Spirit through
scripture during the creation account, as described in Genesis 1:2 where the Spirit of
God was hovering over the face of the waters. And throughout the Old Testament, we
see God’s spirit manifested among men, but it is only after Jesus’ death and
resurrection that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell permanently within believers. In John
14:16 Jesus tells his disciples that He will ask the Father and He will give them another
Helper or paraklétos in Greek meaning Counselor and Advocate, to be with them
forever. In fact, later in in the gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that He MUST
leave, so that He can send His Spirit to continue the work of God’s eternal plan (John
16:7). Jesus fulfills His promise, and we see the evidence of the Spirit’s work in the lives
of believers through the divine acts of regeneration and sanctification.

Have you marveled lately and truly sat with the reality that you were once
spiritually dead but are now alive in Christ? God's plan of reconciliation is breathtaking, and it included placing His Holy Spirit within you, so that intimacy with Him could be restored and you could be transformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus.

When we are born again, we are sanctified, made holy in God’s sight.
Sanctification is both an instantaneous act and an ongoing process: we have been
sanctified, and we are continually being sanctified. You once walked in darkness, and
were enslaved to sin, but that is no longer who you are. Yet, you might wonder why you
still struggle with sin, maybe you’re wrestling with lustful thoughts, outbursts of anger, or
feelings of jealousy, which can leave you questioning and feeling defeated. But take
heart, brother or sister in Christ, for there is hope. You have a Helper who dwells within
you—the Holy Spirit. He will provide a way out of temptation, give you discernment,
convict you of your thoughts, strengthen you in your weakness, and lead you into all
truth. God knew you could not overcome sin on your own, so He graciously gave you
His Spirit to help you empower you. It is your responsibility to accept the help, to lean on
His spirit, yield to His guidance and trust that He who began a good work in you will
complete it. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit, the One
who dwells within you, comforts you, guides you into truth, and empowers you to live for
God’s glory.