In all that we do...all that we say let everything be done and said in the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. There is a saying that I heard several years ago and it remains true for many of us on this journey to proclaim His glory to the nations. "We put up our sails and let the wind of the Holy Spirit guide our direction." But this Spirit-filled gust flies in the face of the common winds of culture that tell us to take control of the vessel...grab hold of the wheel and steer it to Godly greatness...ask the Lord what He wants done and go get it done for crying out loud. Find out His will for your life and go live it out. But this cannot be. We must change the way we think about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Though this concept seems to be a good idea at the outset, it becomes tumultuous far from the safe shores of instruction. God does not need experienced sailors...He requires willing ones. He delights in those who ask not "What is Your will for my life?" but simply "What is Your will?"
Some seem to believe (and teach) that the command from the throne is "Live for Me". More accurately the command is "Die...and let Me live through you." Satan once tempted Jesus with throwing Himself off of the temple and ushering in a new King and kingdom. Thousands would see angels protect Him from harm and recognize the majestic Messiah. For surely this is the right King and the Divine desires that "His kingdom come on earth"...right? C'mon...trade the cross for the scepter, Jesus! It was not to be. God was doing something and Jesus' role was to say "Not my will but Yours..."
So let us pray this prayer together. Guide us Holy Spirit. You have shown us what is good. We will do justly, love mercy, walk humbly and let Your Spirit lead us as we let go of the helm and delight in glorious favor of clinging to the cross!