Has the Spirit Disrupted Your Life?

“When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.” (Acts 2:1–5 MSG)

Shingles blew off our roof, our giant green trash cans ended up on the other end of the driveway, and one of the brave soldier trees lining the perimeter of our yard fell in the battle. Our windstorm in the Washington D.C. area left thousands without power, delayed travel, closed schools, and generally wreaked havoc for the better part of two days.

At first I was skeptical of the dire warnings and widespread closures. The sun was shining brightly, and I saw hardly a cloud in the sky. How much damage could a little bit of wind do? Yet as I ran my errands, I was repeatedly struck by the sheer power of this force of nature. Even walking was difficult because I couldn’t predict the direction, timing, and strength of the gusts. Although I couldn’t see the wind, there was no mistaking its presence or the impact it was having on everything in its path.

In Scripture, the Greek word pneuma is alternately translated as wind or spirit. In the verses above, the arrival of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised is described as a gale-force wind, reminding me of the storm that blew through my community. As I struggled to open my car door or stand upright during my travels that day, I wondered how their “windy” day changed the lives of those who were present on Pentecost. Thinking about how I have experienced the Holy Spirit in my own life, I see at least three ways.

I have been surprised.

The verse above says the Spirit came without warning and no one could tell where it came from. As I have become more sensitive to the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life, I’ve begun to learn to appreciate the unpredictability and spontaneity of the dance. A nudge to reach out, a whisper of caution before I speak, a reminder of a verse from Scripture, or a sense of comfort in a moment of sadness are all the sweeter because they occur when I least expect it. The serendipity of living connected to God’s Spirit makes life more of an adventure.

My life has been disrupted.

The arrival of the Spirit that day could not be ignored. Scripture says it spread like a wildfire and made an impact on everyone in the room. When the Holy Spirit begins to move in the life of a believer, it often disrupts the status quo. In my own life, the Spirit’s leading is almost always accompanied by a push to shake things up and step out of my comfort zone. I’m learning that God is much more interested in my growth and my contribution to his kingdom purposes than he is in me remaining comfortable and content. As I trust in his timing and plan, I am braver and more willing to see the disruption as an opportunity.

I have been transformed.

When I look back on the biggest changes in my life, I can almost always pinpoint a corresponding invitation from the Spirit. When God’s Spirit moves, lives are transformed. Sometimes that transformation is welcome, but other times having our lives turned upside down can be difficult or even painful. However, unlike the destructive wind that blew through our community, the winds of change God sends are always for our best. When we listen to the voice of God evidenced through the Holy Spirit, we can trust any resulting transformation is ultimately for good. As Jesus promised, the Spirit he sent will be our Advocate and Helper.

Abba Father, we thank you for your surprising, disruptive, and transforming Spirit. We are so grateful that you speak to us by your indwelling Spirit, and we ask that we would be sensitive to your leading, guidance, and direction at all times. Help us be brave and say yes when you ask us to step forward into your best for our lives. You are so good to us, and we love you so much. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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. (John 14:26–27 NIV)

Reach for More

This week’s challenge is to listen for the surprising, disruptive, and transforming voice of the Holy Spirit. What whispers, nudges, or invitations will you hear when you watch for the wind of the Spirit in your life? Please come back and leave a comment telling us about what you discover, how you are changed, or how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Kelly Johnson is an author, speaker, and life coach with a passion for helping people live lives of courage, compassion, and connection. She is the author of Being Brave: A 40 Day Journey to the Life God Dreams for You. She leads a weekly Bible study at The Lamb Center, a day shelter for homeless and poor individuals, where she also serves on the Board of Directors. She and her husband, Steve, are the proud parents of two young adult daughters, Alexandra and Brooke. You can connect with Kelly at kellyiveyjohnson.com.