Our Purpose is Intricately Intertwined with Our Reliance on the Advocate

At the Last Supper, Jesus promises that He will ask God to send the disciples and us “another advocate” who will help us and be with us forever.  He refers to this helper as “the Spirit of truth”.  This Spirit is Someone that the world cannot see or know.  He is sent to help believers, followers of Jesus.  He will live in us and be with us. 

Jesus goes on to say that “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit” will be sent to us by God the Father and sent to us in Jesus’ name.  This Spirit will “teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  Right after this amazing statement of promise, Jesus gives His reassurance: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” We are meant to rely on the Spirit and not on ourselves or the things that make us anxious or fearful.

A bit later that same evening, Jesus adds:  “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.” The Spirit will also help us bear witness to our experience of walking with Jesus.

And, Jesus says that His departure is for our good—this is the only way that the Holy Spirit will be sent to us.  The Spirit will teach us and confront the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment. He will guide us into truth, tell us what is to come, and glorify Jesus—from Whom the Spirit hears what He tells us (See John 14:15-31;  John 15:26-27; John 16:7-15).

When you think about your purpose and calling, do you rely more on your own talents and strengths or on the Holy Spirit and His teaching and guidance? Are you content to let the Spirit lead you day by day or do you get anxious, perhaps even fearful, of your future? In what way can you trust the Father, Son and Spirit to bring about God’s purpose for your life as you remain faithful?

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.