The Tie That Binds Us

Take a rubber band and place one on each of your pointer fingers. Then, slowly (or even quickly) move your fingers in opposite directions. You won't get far before you meet major resistance. This is what our relationship with the Holy Spirit should do for us.

Often, our thoughts and hearts go astray. When we're faced with difficult, moral decisions, when we're tempted to work something out on our own, or even when we think in our hearts that we're in a safe place. But the relationship with our Creator is what should be bringing us back. But what if we don't recognize his presence?

Let's stop for a moment and ponder this. When you feel drawn in a certain direction for no apparent reason, the most likely explanation is that you are being influenced by a spirit. You don't get a voice in your head. That's not the way a spirit works on you; it's by impressions and by working on your emotions. Sometimes it's a strong pull and sometimes it's a subtle push. Either way, you have to recognize that it's not you.

Being a born-again Christian, you have the Holy Spirit given to you. That doesn't mean that other spirits do not try to influence you. But, by studying the Word of God, you should be able to discern what is the Holy Spirit's leading and what is not. The Spirit of God will not take you in a direction contrary to God's Word or will. When I sense the Holy Spirit, it's almost always followed up with a few scriptures to confirm what you're being led to do or to stay away from. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would bring all things to your remembrance. If you don't have the Word in you, how can He bring it to your remembrance?

Back to that difficult moral decision. YOU cannot do it.

First, take a moment and just concede that. You are weak and probably wearied from the constant battles. BUT, the Spirit of God within you can do it. When positioned between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, God told the Israelites, "Be still and know that I am God."

Next, remember that the Lord told us, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." He does that through his Holy Spirit. He is in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Take a moment and recognize his presence. Do you feel that peace? That comes from the assurance that He gives you that, together you will make it through this.

Out of all of the billions of people in this world, living without Him, YOU are one of the privileged because you answered yes when the Spirit first drew you to Christ. There is that relationship that brings you back, even when your thoughts and heart begin to wander. YOU ARE LOVED, CHERISHED, HONORED. All because you let the Spirit lead you. Let Him lead you to the Father, not just once, but moment by moment, day by day.

Then, you will have victory.