“Humble submission is the way that leads to life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 10, 2025
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8, NIV
It’s far too easy for us to live as though we are the ones who direct the Spirit of God, as though he is just waiting on us to let him know where he should go next, hoping we will tell him where he is most needed. Of course, we rarely, if ever, say these words or approach him with this kind of brash confidence, yet our actions can be most revealing. For example, it is remarkably easy for us to ignore or dismiss our need for God when life is smooth sailing and everything seems to be going our way. Yet the moment rough waters emerge, we expect the Lord to immediately rush to our aid without delay.
By contrast, Jesus reminds Nicodemus in John 3 that the Spirit, like the wind, “blows wherever it pleases,” and that “we cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” We do not approach the Spirit of God as conductors who give direction or chart a course on his behalf. No, we learn to quiet and still our hearts so we can be present and attentive, learning to follow as we discern the leading of his presence.
The Holy Spirit is not a reckless and wild wind. The Spirit is on mission, sent by the Father to fulfill his purposes in the world. As John 16:13 reminds us, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13, NIV) Just as the Spirit submits to the will of the Father, we must learn the same rhythm of life, never forgetting that humble submission is the way that leads to life.
Take these words to heart today, and rather than spending your energy trying to get the Lord to come your way, discover the joy and life that is always found when you move toward him, placing yourself in his stream of living water.
Prayer
Father, give us discerning and attentive hearts that are quick to seek the presence of your Spirit, and to move in his direction, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Consider ways to move toward the Spirit today rather than simply asking him to come your way.
Related Reading
Isaiah 30:21; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:25
Worship Resource
Jon Guerra & Valerie Guerra: The Prayer God Always Answers
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