Spirit Led Living

3-2-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Spirit Led Living


“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel.’ Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

The Holy Spirit is God’s fuel for living. He leads, convicts, comforts and gives courage. On the other hand the world promotes power and might. The world’s approach is forceful: If the door is closed, knock it down; if you have the power and authority, use it to make things happen. Lack of faith can lead to panic and prematurely force unrighteous results.

These temporal fortresses are fleeting. When all is said and done, they are undependable. Money, control, and your title can be here today and gone tomorrow. They are cheap imitations of having dependence on God.

On the contrary, Spirit led living is about dependence. It is dependence on God rather than any other form of reliance. But the Spirit of God wants you to grow in His awareness and follow His lead. Like a hurricane that gains strength as time passes, so does God’s Spirit. You cannot accomplish His best without the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He may even lead you to places of discomfort, as His desire is to place you in positions of dependence.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. But the Word of God became Christ’s defense. He deflected the darts of the devil with the truth of God. It was an exercise of faith and obedience that drew Him closer to His heavenly Father. Instead of driving Him from God, it drew Him to God. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to get us to God.

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:10-11).

Submission to God revives the Spirit of God. Come under the authority of God and you have a source of strength that is limitless and energizing. God’s Spirit also produces fruit and creates character. This is another benefit of Sprit led living. It is not about techniques and tactics. It is first and foremost about the character of Christ transforming your life.

Power explodes from within your heart rather than exploiting others with threats. There is quiet confidence that comes from a deep abiding in Christ. Spirit led moms pray more than they worry. They train and teach their children and all the while trust them with God. Anxiety is replaced with abiding. They do their part and trust God to do His part.

Spirit led living is all about engrafting the Word of God into your life. The Holy Spirit ignites the fuel of God’s Word into a blaze of obedience. This is the power that changes lives and communities for the greater good of God. This exhibition of power may only make the headlines of heaven. Wait on God—Be Spirit led—Watch His power prevail!

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Where is the Holy Spirit leading me that requires uncommon faith and obedience?

Related Readings: Exodus 31:3; John 3:34; Acts 4:25-31; 2 Timothy 1:7