I have found that most Christians seem to think the first time the Holy Spirit did much of anything was on the Day of Pentecost. But that’s not true. The Holy Spirit has been at work on this planet ever since the beginning.

When God said “Light be!,” the Spirit swung into action and slung this universe into being. He was there just waiting to create. That’s how the Bible introduces the Holy Spirit!

You see, the Holy Spirit is the muscle of God. Every time you see power in manifestation, you can be sure the Holy Spirit is on the scene. When the Holy Spirit came on Samson, he single-handedly killed a thousand Philistine soldiers (Judges 15:14-16).

Some people get the idea that Samson was able to do those great exploits because he was a giant of man. But he was really just an ordinary fellow. He only became extraordinary when the Spirit of God came on him.

The prophet Elijah was the same way. On his own, he was just as normal as you and me. He was once so frightened by the threats of a woman that he hid in the wilderness and asked God to kill him so he wouldn’t have to face her.

But when the Holy Spirit came on him, Elijah was a powerhouse. He once called down fire from heaven, killed 450 prophets of Baal, and outran the king’s chariot (drawn, no doubt, by the fastest horses in the nation of Israel). And he did it all in one day (1 Kings 18-19).

Now don’t get the idea from these examples, however, that the Holy Spirit is simply a mindless source of raw power. Far from it! When He moves in on a situation, He does it with all wisdom and understanding so vast that it staggers the mind.

“Well then, why hasn’t He helped me before now? Heaven knows I’ve needed it!,” you say.

He’s been waiting for you to give Him something to work with. He’s been waiting there inside you, waiting for you to speak the Word of God in faith. That’s been His role since the beginning—to move on God’s Word and deliver the power necessary to cause that Word to manifest in the earth. That’s what He did at Creation…and that’s what He is commissioned to do for you.

But remember, He’s your helper, not your dominator. So decide right now to start opening that door. Develop an awareness of the reality of the Holy Spirit within you. Stop spending all your time meditating on the problems you’re facing and start spending it meditating on the power of the One inside you. Release the muscle of God to work for you!

Speak the Word

I have received the Holy Spirit; therefore I have received power! (Acts 1:8)