The quickening of the Holy Spirit is a profound and transformative experience that breathes life into our spiritual journey with the Lord Jesus. This awakening marks a pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts, calling our minds back to God’s Word, igniting a passion for it. As the Apostle Paul expresses in Ephesians 3:16 (NLT), “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” It’s as if the Spirit breathes fresh air into our souls, prompting us to awaken from spiritual slumber and engage fully with our faith.
In Romans 8:11 (NLT), we are reminded, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” This powerful truth tells us that the same Spirit that conquered death and the grave, and resurrected our precious Savior, now resides within us, bringing vitality and strength to our spiritual lives.
However, it’s essential to recognize that while we are born again and our human spirit is regenerated, our souls are not made brand new. Salvation does not automatically change the condition of the soul; if it did, every Christian would be perfect after becoming born again; never needing to renew our minds and hearts to the Word or put them in check according to God’s Word. This is not the case. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) reminds us: “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” Daily self-examination is essential as we climb higher in Christ, totally surrendering to him.
When God tells us to do something, He means what He says and says what He means. He is never redundant; His words carry weight and purpose. When He instructs us to take action, it’s a call to responsibility—specifically, to put our souls in check so that our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, actions, and words align with the example of Jesus Christ. To the extent that we stray from this alignment, we find ourselves out of harmony with God’s Will and plan for our lives.
God has intricately designed life to alert us to these misalignments, often through less-than-pleasant experiences. Troubles, tribulations, and trials frequently arise as consequences of allowing our souls to remain malnourished. These challenges serve as wake-up calls, inviting us to reflect, reassess, and realign with His truth. Rather than seeing these hardships as obstacles we can’t overcome, we can recognize them as opportunities for growth and transformation, guiding us back to a more fulfilling and blissful relationship with our Heavenly Father.
When we catch a glimpse of this, and begin to seek the Father with greater intensity, surrendering ourselves to Him, our openness to the work of the Holy Spirit can spark a profound quickening. In these moments, the parts of our soul that we’ve surrendered come into the light of Christ, leaving behind the darkness and defeat that once had control. This illumination reveals the truth of our identity in Christ, breaking the chains of past struggles and allowing us to embrace a new reality that is rooted in life, hope, and purpose in the Lord.
This quickening is often marked by a renewed desire for prayer and an eagerness to dive into Scripture. As the Holy Spirit brings the Word to life in our personal situations, providing strategies, solutions, and clarity, it shifts from mere text to living truth, speaking directly to our hearts and circumstances. As Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) reminds us, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword.” This fresh and dynamic engagement with God’s Word not only deepens our understanding but also empowers us to face life’s challenges with wisdom and grace. Each verse becomes a guiding light, illuminating our paths and providing the insight we need to navigate the ups and downs of our sojourn on earth.
Also, the quickening of the Holy Spirit helps us recognize and embrace our God-given purpose. As we become familiar with the Holy Spirit’s voice, we gain clarity about our lives, understanding the roles we are called to fulfill in our families, communities, and the world. This divine guidance empowers us to step out in faith, trusting that we are equipped for all that God has called us to do.
As Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) beautifully puts it, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” In those moments of clarity, we understand that we are not just drifting through life; we are active participants in something greater, and everything unfolds according to God’s plan for the entire universe. Each step we take in faith strengthens our confidence, reminding us that we are exactly where we need to be.
In times of struggle or doubt, the quickening of the Holy Spirit provides comfort and reassurance. He reminds us of God’s promises and the power available to us. It’s in these moments that we can feel the Spirit’s presence most acutely, lifting us from despair and refocusing our hearts on hope. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Quickening of the Holy Spirit”, written by Rev. Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.