In the Path of the Wind

There it went! Headed across the parking lot – caught by the wind – the piece of something I didn’t WANT to blow away! There I went! Right after it . . . trying my best to catch it – looking much like a lunatic – but the sane part of me knowing – I HAD TO CATCH THAT IMPORTANT SOMETHING! Ever been there?

The fact of the matter is, wind affects everyone and everything it touches. Even just a little bit of wind makes a tree limb “jiggle.” When a big wind comes through . . . watch out, a whole lot of things will be blowing over, and blowing away!

The Bible has many references to the wind – the most powerful being when it is used to describe the coming of the Holy Spirit in the upper room. In Acts chapter 2, we see the disciples positioning themselves for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as Jesus had told them to do. They were doing what Jesus had told them to do before He left to ascend back into Heaven. They were obeying. They were in the upper room. They were sitting. They were waiting. They were in unity. They were together . . . By faith they were expecting the fulfillment of His Promise, and IT WAS TIME! Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came in His Power, in His fullness, as a mighty rushing wind.

When He showed up – He affected everyone! Think about what happened. They began looking like “lunatics,” too! People actually mocked them – accusing them of being drunk – even though it was way too early in the day for drunkenness. People who were from other countries, just “visiting” Jerusalem for one reason or another, were hearing the gospel in their own language. Peter, who had denied Christ three times was, boldly declaring Christ, preaching to those who had crucified Him. Repentance was everywhere; – “about three thousand” – came to Christ and were baptized. Possessions lost their hold on believers – they shared gladly with one another. They fellowshipped with one another. Their hearts were happy and glad – and together they PRAISED GOD! What was going on? The wind of the Holy Spirit was blowing and affecting everything He touched.

How much our innermost souls long after Him will determine just how fervently we pursue “getting in the path of the WIND.” This path requires obedience — obedience to His call for complete surrender. When HE comes, the “sane” part of our spiritual life knows — we cannot exist without staying in “the path of THE WIND!”

Once He breathes on us, breathes within us, breathes through us, we gladly “chase after” Him, pursuing His heart, allowing Him to continually “blow away” whatever would displease Him. Allowing him to tumble anything that even begins to hint of self. Allowing Him to “breathe into” our lives the imperative Christ-likeness He so desires for us to have.

Take it with You

“He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” Psalm 147:18

By Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory