Topic: God’s Spirit Is Working in You [RICK WARREN Devotional 11 May 2021]
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God’s Spirit Is Working in You
“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Philippians 2:13 (NLT)It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to produce Christlike character in you.
The Bible says, “The Lord . . . makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT). This process of changing you to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.
You can’t reproduce the character of Jesus in your own strength. New Year’s resolutions, willpower, and best intentions aren’t enough.
Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in your life. The Bible says, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).
Mention the power of the Holy Spirit, and many people think of miraculous demonstrations or intense emotions. But usually the Holy Spirit releases his power in your life in quiet, unassuming ways that you aren’t even aware of. He often nudges you with “a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NIV).
Christlikeness is not produced by imitation but by inhabitation—by allowing Christ to live in and through you. The Bible says, “This is the secret: Christ lives in you” (Colossians 1:27 NLT).
But how does this happen in real life? Through the choices you make.
Choose to do the right thing; then trust God’s Spirit to give you the power, love, faith, and wisdom to follow through. Since God’s Spirit lives inside you, these things are always available for the asking.
- Why do you think God allows you to choose whether or not you respond to the Holy Spirit’s moving in your life?
- If the Holy Spirit often works in quiet, unassuming ways, what can you do to become more sensitive to his work in your life?
- Spend a few minutes praying for God to make you more aware of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to work in you and make you more like Jesus. Ask him to take away your fear and give you boldness to fulfill your purpose through the power of God’s Spirit.