We Can Do It: Depending on the Holy Spirit for Strength

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges? Have you wondered how you can possibly accomplish what God has called you to do? The truth is, we can do it—not in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

Jesus promised His disciples that He wouldn't leave them alone. In John 14:16-17, He said, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth." This promise wasn't just for the disciples; it's for every believer today.

Why Can We Do It? Five Powerful Reasons

Let's explore five reasons why we can accomplish what God has called us to do when we depend on the Holy Spirit.

1. We Are Not Alone

Loneliness becomes impossible because God is not only with us, but He is also in us and for us. When Jesus breathed on His disciples in John 20:22 and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit," He was giving them new life. Their dead spirits became alive to God.

We are His address—His temple. The Holy Spirit dwells inside us. One minister once asked in prayer, "Holy Spirit, do you have a body?" The gentle response came: "Yes, I have a body. You are my body."

When we understand that we're never alone, we stop depending on ourselves. We have a constant companion, a guide, a comforter, and a source of strength within us. As Jeremiah 10:23 reminds us, "It is not in man to direct his steps," but the Holy Spirit leads us perfectly.

2. Because of His Great Love

God loves us so much that He sent Himself through Christ and offered Himself by the Spirit as a ransom for us. The Bible says in Romans 5:5 that "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

When we draw close to Him, He draws close to us (James 4:8). This closeness kicks in a pouring of His presence within our hearts. He gives us a new heart because He wants to pour good things into us—revelation, wisdom, and His character.

There's a difference between putting God "first" and putting Him "also." When we truly put Him first, we experience His manifest presence in our lives.

3. He Can Transform and Conform Us

The Holy Spirit doesn't just comfort us; He transforms us. Romans 12:1-2 tells us we are "transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

While the world tries to shape us into its image, God is working to conform us to His image. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, we are "being transformed into the same image from glory to glory."

Solitude with God is the furnace of spiritual formation, where old patterns are broken and new life begins. This is why the Apostle Paul said, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). When we die to ourselves, we create space for the Holy Spirit to fill us and transform us.

4. He Knows Our Assignments

Every one of us has a divine assignment. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that "to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." History isn't random—it's prophetic, and we're all moving according to God's divine timeline.

The Holy Spirit doesn't come empty-handed. He brings purpose, direction, and divine assignments tailored specifically for our lives. Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

God knew all the mess we would get ourselves into. He knew all the wrong turns we would take. But He also knew how to get us back on the right path. He is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

5. He Has All Power

In Acts 3, Peter and John encountered a lame man begging for alms. They said, "Silver and gold we do not have, but what we do have we give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

We have the same power within us! First John 4:4 declares, "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." When we walk in the Spirit, hell notices and darkness trembles.

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." It's not our power—it's His power working through us.

Life Application

So how do we apply these truths to our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

• Seek God first, not just "also." Make time each day to be alone with God, even if it's just a few minutes. Create a special place where you can meet with Him regularly.

• Die daily to self. Each morning, surrender your will to God's will. Say, "Not my will, but Yours be done today."

• Listen for the Holy Spirit's promptings. He often speaks in a gentle nudge or a quiet thought. When you feel Him leading you to do something, be obedient.

• Remember who lives in you. Throughout your day, remind yourself that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. You carry His presence wherever you go.

• Step out in faith. Don't wait until you feel capable or qualified. Move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I trying to accomplish God's purposes in my own strength?

• Do I truly believe that the Holy Spirit lives in me?

• What area of my life do I need to surrender to God's transforming power?

• How can I be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance this week?

Remember, we can do it—not because we're strong enough, smart enough, or good enough, but because the Holy Spirit lives in us. When we depend on Him, nothing is impossible!