Not a gut feeling... It's the Holy Spirit.

August 23, 2024

Written by: Lanesha Brown

A walk With Christ

One night, I suddenly awoke from my sleep, a frequent occurrence for me. Some nights, I simply remain awake, while on others, I easily slip back into slumber. However, on this particular night, my mind sparked with the beginnings of a story.

The story unfolds as two individuals stroll outside and stumble upon a long fence. This barrier separates them from an enticing spread of delicious food, the savory aromas wafting toward them. One person, drawn by the tantalizing scents, takes the initiative to approach the fence. Although it isn't particularly high, it does require some effort to climb. As the first person scales the fence, they are suddenly jolted by a mild shock. While not life-threatening, the sensation is unusual, causing them to briefly contemplate retreat. Ultimately, the allure of the delectable offerings outweighs their hesitation, and they decide to persevere despite the intermittent shocks. Once they successfully cross the fence, they eagerly make their way to the lavish table piled with food.

Meanwhile, the second individual observes and resolves to follow suit. However, as they begin to climb, the shock they experience compels them to reconsider. "This doesn't feel right," they ponder. "I should definitely turn back," they say, as they make their way back down.

The following day, the second individual receives the devastating news that their friend has died. It turns out that the food they had indulged in was laced with poison...

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How often have we overlooked the warnings of the Holy Spirit, choosing to dismiss his guidance? This ignorance leads us into indulging in the our sin of choice, and while it may look appealing, or seem good in the moment, living unrepentant in sin will always lead to your spiritual death.

We often hear or use the phrase "I had a strong feeling.." or "my gut told me..". I even use these phrases from time to time, not realizing that I am unintentionally taking credit from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what leads us, guides us, and warns us. He counsels us and protects us. John 14:15-18 KJV says:

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 17Even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.

Jesus meant it when he said that he will not leave us. Although He has ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. In verse 26 of this chapter, Jesus says that the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in His name, shall teach, and bring all things to remembrance. We, as believers can trust that the Holy Spirit will remind us of God's will whenever we go astray from it. We just have to be willing to listen.

In the book of Galatians, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit and our sinful nature fighting against one another. Galatians 5:16-17 ESV says:

16 But I say, walk by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the spirit, and the desires of the spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

We should always do what the Holy Spirit instructs us to do. At some time in our lives, we have all been guilty of resisting the Holy Spirit and rejecting his revelations to us. We may either be afraid to carry out the instructions given to us, or we may just give into the desires of the flesh. Regardless of the reason, we must understand that anything the Holy Spirit reveals to us, is the absolute truth. There is no negotiating.

It is impossible to fight the flesh if you lack the tools necessary. Just like the character in my story, you will inevitably succumb. I want to encourage anyone reading this to remember what Paul wrote in Galatians chapter 5 verse 19- by continuing to follow the desires of your sinful nature, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

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Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Listen to his warnings, obey his directions. The Holy Spirit will convict you so that you will do God's will.

To anyone who feels that they are lacking the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, I encourage you to seek a personal relationship with our Father so that you can be in tune with His voice. Pray fervently and remain in His word.

We always have a choice. My prayer is that when you find yourself facing temptation, you remember that death has already been conquered. We are no longer bound by sin. You have the power to accept the gift given to us through Jesus, who paid the ultimate price. Choose life.