Restoration by the Spirit!

Restore my spirit and mind, Lord, to the early days of my innocent youth. It was a time when the world and old age did not corrupt me, and my parents shielded me. It was a place where I was protected from anxiety, stress, and worldly demands. I ate, played, said my prayers, and didn’t have a care in the world, free from the burdens of responsibilities. Now, I live in a world of corruption, betrayal, and division. The world I live in rarely mentions your name, yet people would rather use it in profanity or deceit. Renew my mind.

If it weren’t for Your Spirit, Lord, I would still be bound to the chains of worry and doubt. This heartfelt expression truly resonates with me because it beautifully reflects my own journey—moving from feelings of anxiety and uncertainty to a place of peace and confidence, all thanks to the loving and inspiring work of the Holy Spirit.

There was a time in my life when fear was my constant companion. I worried about the future, my career, relationships, finances, and even my worth. Every decision felt like a trap, and what-ifs overshadowed every step forward. In my mind, I was a prisoner to worry, dragging the heavy chains of doubt behind me.

But then I encountered God’s Spirit in a way I hadn’t before. It wasn’t through some loud, dramatic moment. It was quiet. Still. But unmistakable. Through prayer, Scripture, and moments of honest vulnerability before God, I began to understand that I wasn’t alone. The Spirit began to replace my fear with faith, my doubts with truth.

Romans 8:15 says, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” That verse became real to me. I realized I was no longer a slave to fear. The Spirit reminded me that I am a child of God, held in the hands of the One who controls all things.

Now, do I still struggle at times? Yes. But the difference is that I don’t face those struggles alone. The Spirit whispers truth into the chaos of my mind, calming the storm and anchoring me in God's promises. That’s freedom. That’s peace. And that’s why I say: If it weren’t for Your Spirit, Lord, I would still be bound. But now, I am free. Remember, this isn’t just a one-time struggle; it’s a daily choice to stand against evil. We must remain vigilant and stay alert. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed and surrounded. Yet, when I think of the goodness of the Lord and His immense love for me, it gives me peace and confidence to go on. It reassures me that I’m never fighting this battle alone, and that support and strength are always nearby.

There’s much for us to be thankful for, but we often overlook the many blessings we take for granted. We can choose to repent and turn away from doing wrong, or keep doing the same as we always do. Change is Difficult, but necessary for spiritual growth. Change is one of life’s most significant challenges. It unsettles us, breaks our routines, and often forces us to confront parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore. Yet, despite the discomfort it brings, change is essential, especially for spiritual growth. It is through change that we learn, evolve, and move closer to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Spiritual growth demands transformation. It asks us to let go of ego, shed outdated beliefs, and embrace uncertainty. These are not easy tasks. Letting go of what is familiar can feel like a loss. It’s natural to resist. But resistance to change can also keep us stagnant, locked in patterns that hinder our spiritual journey.

Christianity speaks of being “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), emphasizing that change is integral to becoming more aligned with divine purpose. Across cultures and faiths, the message is clear: spiritual growth is not possible without inner transformation.

Often, spiritual breakthroughs occur during or after times of crisis, moments when change is not optional but is forced upon us. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a personal failure, or a significant life transition, these experiences challenge our identity and beliefs. But they also open the door to new insights. Pain, though unwelcome, can be a powerful teacher. It strips away illusion and invites us to seek something more profound, truth.

Ultimately, change allows us to become more authentic. It teaches humility, fosters empathy, and expands our perspective. As we evolve spiritually, we begin to see that growth is not about achieving perfection, but about becoming more aware, more compassionate, and more present.

While change is undeniably difficult, it is also a sacred part of the spiritual journey. Without it, we remain stuck in who we were, unable to become who we are meant to be. Embracing change with courage and openness is not only an act of growth, but also an act of faith.

            I call out to the true shepherds of the flock, choose now to stand up for justice and righteousness in this land. Do not be afraid to lose your mega church, image, and 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status. Lead your flocks with the Spirit of Truth, and you will not fail. The Lord gives and the Lord takes. The Lord goes before us, and He will not fail.