There are times in life when we face challenges that seem overwhelming, impossible, or far too big for us to manage by our own resources and strengths. This is especially true in ministry that calls us to walk by faith. A natural first response when we face challenges is to ask, “how or why,” then solicit our talents, strengths, and resources for appropriate action. The scripture passage is clear to us to know and understand God’s way for how He does His work and accomplishes His will. God says that His divine work is accomplished “not by might, nor by power,” but totally and solely “by My Spirit.” The Spirit of God was actively working from the beginning in creation (Gen 1:2). The Holy Spirit was at hand on occasions throughout the Old Testament to visit with various patriarch, prophets, and others to accomplish His will or proclaim His word to His people. God actively sought to draw His people to be in a special relationship with Him. But man’s heart kept him away and would not strive with God, yet God’s love for man never failed. He knew the only way for man to truly experience His love and delight with Him, man’s heart would need to change. God’s solution for man was a heart transformation. God said, “I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh…and I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezek 36:26-27). The quest for man was made possible and the blood supply for man’s heart transformation was provided through the death of His Son, Jesus at Calvary’s Cross. Jesus laid down His life that all who would believe in Him would become “a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17), with a new heart, to live in new life through Christ, filled and indwelt with the eternal presence of God, the Holy Spirit. Dear friend, the Holy Spirit is God’s Helper, Comforter, and Counselor. He is given to all who shall believe, and He will “be with you forever” (Jn 14:16), always teaching and communicating the things of God (Jn 14:26) that you may live the new life in Christ “not by might, nor by power,” but by His Spirit. What an awesome privilege. He is always with us. He will never leave nor forsake you. He is a Helper who is our ever-present refuge and strength in every situation and circumstance (Ps 46:1). He is a Comforter who will guide and help us to discover God’s plan for our lives (Jn 16:13-15), to walk with us to become children of God (Rom 8:14), and to guide us into all truth by God’s word. He is a Counselor to defend our hearts against attacks and temptations of Satan, thoughts of doubt, despair, and discouragement, to remind us with assurance that we are children of God (Rom 8:16) and provide a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). My friend, do you struggle with your walk of faith? God has not saved you and left you to figure things own your own, in your own strength, and by your own resources. Jesus saved you to be with Him, to walk with Him, to talk with Him, to delight and enjoy the pleasure of His company, forever. He knows we are weak and will have trouble with these things, but His Spirit is always with us, to search us and intercede for us according to the will of God (Rom 8:26-27). My friend, the greatest privilege, the greatest pleasure, and the greatest power for the child of God is the everlasting presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Take time to know Him today. Look to the word of God and listen when He speaks. He will lead you “into all truth” (Jn 16:13), to walk by faith and walk in the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:16). Father thank You for love and the wonderful gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that You hear me when I call and help me when I fall. I praise You for faithfulness and Your fervent love towards me. In the majestic, mighty and blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.