Spirit and wilderness

“John grew up and became strong in spirit. Then he lived out in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.” (Luke 1: 80)
Growing in the Spirit
Why did John chose the wilderness as the place of his spiritual formation? The wilderness is the star university of the Holy Spirit. John followed the footsteps of the prophets who used the isolation of the uninhabited wilderness to listen to God and find their prophetic voice. The wilderness apart from being a place of isolation is also a place of tests and spiritual warfare. We recall the forty days of Jesus in the wilderness when He was tested by Satan. The wilderness separated John from the economic and political powers of the day. His message to them was pointed and sharp as a result. He also remained separate from the hypocritical religious leaders of his day.

The Holy Spirit will do it

“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…….. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1: 35 – 37)
“This is the word of Yahweh with regard to Zerubbabel, ‘Not by might and not by power, but by my Spirit – says Yahweh Sabaoth.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Spirit and power
The Holy Spirit will overshadow you and give you all that you need for the job. The Spirit is the source of inspiration and power. All you need is the Holy Spirit. The job will not be accomplished by your might and power but by the Holy Spirit.
What is your deepest driving desire here and now? For me, it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit who will drive me to my life’s purpose.
• As your desire is, so is your will.
• As your will is, so is your deed.
• As your deed is, so is your destiny.
And again:
• Sow a thought and you reap a deed.
• Sow a deed and you reap a habit.
• Sow a habit and you reap a character.
• Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
• Character is destiny.