Wind Blows

I remember, when I was serving a couple congregations in South Dakota, church services were called off, even though there was only an inch or two on the ground. I know in the southern states that this might have caused some issues, but up north, it usually takes 8 inches or more to start closing things. The reason we cancelled was because the winds created a whiteout condition that basically made it almost impossible to see. Now, I sit in the house, looking outside at the wind blowing like crazy. I didn’t snow blow because it would just drift in again. I was surprised though. Usually the snow piles up on the north end of the house, in front of the garage. Today, that part is almost clear, but the drifts are pushing in around the front door. You see, when the winds blow, it can be unpredictable. In the Summer time, a breeze is welcomed to keep insects away and cool things down. In the Winter time, that same breeze causes a very chilling effect. In the Summer, twisting winds called huricanes create so much damage and predicting their touchdown and path can be a challenge. There is also a straight line wind that is like a hurricane without the twisting. It also can create a lot of damage. Wind sheers are winds in a downward direction that can cause planes to crash, while updrafts are winds that lift the eagles high in the sky as they soar. As you can see, some winds are predictable while other winds can suddenly appear. We read in John 3, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." We do not control the Spirit of God, but if we are truly born of the Spirit, He will lead us where we should go. There are things predictable about the Holy Spirit - faith and understanding of God’s word. There are also things that are unpredictable, when God puts something on our hearts to do or calls us to a specific ministry. He told the Apostles in the Bible not to worry about what they should say, but that the Spirit would give them the words to speak. Most of us should be much more in tune to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Sadly, many who seek the Holy Spirit seek what the Spirit can do for them, rather than what the Spirit is leading them to do for the Kingdom of God. Come, Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, give us faith, wisdom, and understanding so that we might hear Your word and put it into practice. Amen