Helped!

Helped!

In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:26 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Paul's letter to the church in Rome speaks to different parts of the Christian life, and the verse above is a reflection of this position. For all who have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, there is a special relationship that has been birthed, and is being sustained by God Himself. When a man comes to the reality that sin leads to eternal separation from God in hell, and believes that only Jesus can save from the power of sin, he surrenders control to Jesus, asking him to come into his heart and live in it, supplying all the strength and grace required to live above the power and influence of sin. The dependence on God has to be daily and regular, and cannot be seasonal or occasional. The devil will never relent, until his end comes, and God will not also relent in supplying all that I need for life and Godliness. I must also take a cue from that, knowing that the devil only wants to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come to give life in abundance. 

The Message:

It is this understanding that underpins the clarity of the verse above. In my walk in life, there are parts I will never fully understand, as long as I am clothed in tnis mortal body. There are things that have not been given for me to comprehend or explain. I need the help of the One who created heaven and the earth to help me navigate this odd world. This is why the Holy Spirit has been given, and he is the promise of the Father, who is sent in the name of Jesus. It means that if you don't have Jesus, you cannot have him. It means that if He does not own your life, He cannot live in or direct it. Physical strength has no impact on the work of the Holy Spirit, because you don't get him by physical labour, and you cannot fight to keep him in your life outside of the will of God. As the Holy Spirit is also God, that which is sin will be a hindrance to His move in my life. His help is available for all seasons, but I cannot continue in sin and expect the grace of God to abound.

The Conclusion:

The bible lays out so many areas where the Holy Spirit helps us, and today's verse speaks about the value of prayer. There are times when the heart is heavy and there appears to be a lot to say, yet the words will not come. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in, confirming the mind of God and helping me pray in line with the will of God. There are times when the Holy Spirit will lay the burden upon my heart, and I will still need His help to carry and properly discharge that burden. Even when strength has completely failed and we are weak and helpless, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us before God, bringing us before the throne of mercy, so we can receive that which we need for the journey ahead. How do I survive that which is coming, if the Holy Spirit does not help? How do I know the mind of God per time if I do not have a portion of His Spirit? How do I change my world if God has not first changed my heart and life? The Holy Spirit wants to help, but I have to surrender to Him, and ask for His help. He will perfect all that concerns me. God's time of favour is here.