The Leadership of The Holy Spirit
- Rachel Shirley
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Many of us deeply desire to know the Holy Spirit is with us at every moment throughout the stormy seasons we experience.
I'm guessing you're familiar with that tug in your heart and the longing within your soul to understand what God is doing while you feel isolated on an island you've come to affectionately call "grief-island" or the mudslide mountainside called "regret and remorse."
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" ~ Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Ahh, and there is the tension and rub. You used to be on fire for God. You walked in step with the Holy Spirit because you trusted His leading. You heard from Him through His Word.
Until...that "thing" happened in your life. Yes, that thing.
Even when you remained plugged into His Word, your passion may have begun to plunge. You may have felt an unsettling sense that God might not be pleased with you. You thought, "I should be able to handle this 'thing' better than this. People look up to me."
"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
If you're like me, a detailed roadmap can feel restrictive when you know the Holy Spirit guides and illuminates your every move, even in life's stormy seasons.
Choose the Leadership of the Holy Spirit
I believe we all have been there and will continue to be as we know, on this side of heaven, we will have troubles, trials, and tribulations.
What I can share is my hard-earned, not-so-pretty, and downright exhausting experiences—painful at times but also meaningful and priceless. It’s in these moments that we find courageous strength and hope in Christ.
When we humble ourselves and let go of "control," we find freedom. Let me explain.
In my stormy seasons, when I struggle to hear from the Holy Spirit as I used to, I often slip into "fix it or try to control it" mode.
This isn't a gentle dive into the water; it's a full-on jump. I lean on my own understanding. Can I get a witness?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." ~ Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
Honestly, when I try to take control out of fear or confusion, I stifle the Holy Spirit. This is not what God desires for me or for you.
Fear, confusion, and distractions come from the enemy, not from God.
Also, let’s remember that God does not control us.
Our Heavenly Father is a Gentleman. He sent His Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice for our sins. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Guide, and Teacher, living within us as born-again believers. Hallelujah! What a reason to celebrate!
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” ~ 1 John 4:10 (ESV)
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” ~ Romans 8:11 (NLT)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” ~ John 14:26 (NKJV)
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” ~ John 16:13 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit leads us, inviting us to embrace God's promises and experience an abundant life. However, He will not force us to follow His prompts and guidance because we have free will.
Choose Life Over Control
The simplicities of God’s ways are beautiful. Life and death—choose life. Walk the narrow road—choose the Spirit or the world's paths. The choice is ours.
This choice extends beyond moments of crisis. As we navigate daily life, it's vital to reflect on our decisions and how they glorify God.
In those moments, you, I, or we can choose the fruit-filled path leading to honoring God while living an abundant life.
Remembering God's Unwavering Love for You
I'm here to remind you of what you already know.
God loves you. Jesus loves you. The Holy Spirit loves you. The Trinity—triple Amen and Halleluyah! Can you sense my excitement?
What freedom comes from embracing this truth! God's unconditional and unwavering love is unstoppable.
"Nothing can ever separate us from God's love…" ~ Romans 8:38–39 (NLT)
He is such a faithful Father. Abba, our Father, graciously relieves us from the pressure to have all the answers.
We often find ourselves out of alignment with our divine assignments when we're rigidly holding onto our own maps. The leadership of the Holy Spirit navigates our souls.
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth..."~ John 16:13 (ESV)
Lean into the One who created you. He invites you to experience deeper revelations of His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, grace, divine healing, protection, prosperity, and precious promises... Shall I go on?
Our purposes and divine assignments await. He equips us to emerge from a place of abundance, even amid pain and hardships.
"Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this..." ~ Ephesians 3:20 (TPT)
Remember that you are equipped, anointed, and highly favored.
Your free will can glorify Him! Choose to walk with the Holy Spirit, despite what your emotions and circumstances tell you. Look into your mirror—the Word of God! You are a new creation, a child of God.
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives." ~ Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Hands & Feet + Salt & Light
We never know where, when, or how God will use us. We can make both an earthly and eternal impact by being available and receptive to the opportunities around us—even in the middle of stormy seasons.
It’s not about us. It’s about Him. It’s about helping others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Salt and Light, my friends.
It's time to be who God has called us to be.
From my heart to yours,
Rachel