On the land of my people will come up thorns and briers, Yes, on all the happy homes in the joyous city; because the palaces will be forsaken, the bustling city will be deserted. The forts and towers will become lairs forever, a joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks — Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. (Isaiah 32:13-15)
God knew that the situation his people were facing could not be simply solved with human effort and strength. Thorns, thistles, and barrenness were the result of the lack of the Presence of the Holy Spirit among God’s people. Whatever our strength and striving could be, nothing can remove thorns out of our lives and transform us but the Holy Spirit! Especially our generation, living in this day and age, needs to experience and get to know the true and full Grace of God!
Many of us may ask, “Isn’t it enough to already have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Isn’t this what the prophet meant? And yes! The Holy Spirit is the strength we need! But I am convinced that receiving the Baptism is just the beginning of our life and journey in God’s power and victory!
The word of God says that the Lord gives the Spirit freely, without measure! That means we can see God move in our lives in such a way that we cannot even measure it! We can see His grace in our lives without bounds or borders! This is like having every cell and fiber of our being over filled with God. This is like a person coming from the mountain with a shining face, revealing the awe and glory of God on this earth. This is living a life in prayer before God where people that see us cannot stay the same. Oh to live this type of life!
I believe, today the Holy Spirit calls the Church to abide in the presence of the Father. In essence, the victory on the cross was meant to open to us this life in God. Apostle Paul is saying in Hebrews 10:19 that we can now enter boldly into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus! There, at the throne of God, is the place where Jesus calls those that are saved.
Prayer is the way that lets you enter into the Holy of Holies! Through prayer you can run into the presence of God and get to know Him! Prayer is the door that opens to us the life and glory of God. The testimony of David Livingston, an African missionary who lived in the beginning of the 19th century, really speaks to us of this. He was a man who really valued and prioritized prayer in his life. When he was found after he died, he was found in his room, on his knees! This great man of faith died in prayer!
Pavel Gurzhiy