The Gift of the Spirit

By Elizabeth Arriola

San Jose, Costa Rica

Scriptures:

• Acts 2:38
• Ephesians 6:17-18
• John 14:15-17, 25-26
• Psalm 143:10

In Acts 2:38, we see the beginning of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. As we repent and are baptized, we receive the Holy Spirit as a gift. He is a promise from God to every believer, a help that never abandons us.

I began my Christian journey in 1995 in Guatemala. I have 26 years in the mission and have lived with my family in Costa Rica for almost 16 years. I will share with you some experiences where the Holy Spirit led us to trust God.

We all make decisions every day, when we go to work, when we walk the dog, when we take our children to school, when we face tragedies and pains, when we go shopping at the supermarket, when we are at the beauty salon.

A few years ago, our family moved to another place. Prior to this we visited the new place at different times and we always prayed to make the best decision. We prayed that the new house would be a place where we could study the Bible with the neighbors.

At first, we were afraid to face the unknown. This was coupled with a very sad and painful time in our family, as we lost five very close relatives in nine months. Making three trips from Costa Rica (where we live) to Guatemala (where our family lives) brought uncertainty. And this was in the middle of the pandemic. On each trip, we had to take a COVID test and take the results of the test to present it at the airport. We prayed a lot asking God to guide us. It was not easy, and even today it is not easy to assimilate those losses of people so dear to all of us. Living, digesting, and overcoming grief has been long and slow.

The Holy Spirit was by our side. He made us feel confident and peaceful to move in the midst of all our emotions. Today some neighbors have been accompanying me to church and are studying the Bible. We do walks and exercises together every morning. I now feel a great assurance in my heart that the Holy Spirit led us to this place for a purpose. This reminds us of God's promises through the Bible, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). That word gave us comfort, strength, and encouragement. It gave us courage to move forward. Now I see the fruit of our prayers. We continue to trust in the work God continues to do through His Holy Spirit.

Let's read Ephesians 6:17-18: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

The "sword of the Spirit" is the word of God. Meditating on scripture and praying with the Holy Spirit strengthens and equips us to face any situation. 

This year, the first health challenge we went through was with our youngest son. He was hospitalized for 21 days. He had several medical tests and they could not find a diagnosis to treat him. We lived days and weeks with pain, anguish, uncertainty, and helplessness. The prayers helped us to stay on our feet, despite having a broken heart. During this time, a friend read me this passage of Scripture: 

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”

John 14:15-17 (AMP) 

This scripture became so real in my life, I received so much comfort from the Holy Spirit, every time I had the opportunity to vent my hurting heart, with tears, with sadness, uncertainty and a lot of fear, I was not alone, that comfort was accompanied by the special embrace of God through the great support of my husband, my daughter, my family, my friends, my brothers in the faith.

The second health challenge was for me. I received a call a few months ago confirming that there were beds or space for gynecological surgery that I had been waiting on for almost two years. Again came many thoughts, doubts, and afflictions. But praying and asking for prayer brought peace to my heart.

These have been difficult and challenging times, but I have seen the Spirit at work in my life, in the lives of my children, in my husband, in my neighbors, and in the whole church. All these trials have helped me regain tranquility and trust in Him after I vented in prayer. 

I repeated in my mind, this phrase: “Everything will be okay.” And the companionship of the Holy Spirit was momentous and very valuable. This is the wonderful gift we have for being His daughters. God is still good and His Holy Spirit will always be watching over your life. Hugs! 

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Zechariah 4:6b (ESV)

"The Holy Spirit awakens us from spiritual death and opens our eyes to the glory of Christ. He is the love of God poured out in our hearts."

John Piper 

"The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift we have been given after salvation. Without Him, we are incomplete and powerless."

Francis Chan 

Reflection Questions:

The Spirit is extremely important, as He provides contact with the believer and with God.  

1. How can you make more room for the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions?  

2. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the point at which the Trinity becomes personal to the believer. When have you felt the Holy Spirit leading you to do good or avoid evil? 

3. Have you ever thought that the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible?  The scriptures also tell us that He illuminates it for us. (2 Timothy 3:16). 

4. Do you think the Holy Spirit helps you better understand God's Word?

Today I will: 

Take a few minutes to reflect on situations where the Holy Spirit has guided you or given you peace. Pray with Ephesians 6:17-18, asking the Spirit to guide you and give you the strength to live according to God's Word.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Arriola became a disciple of Jesus in the campus ministry 29 years ago.  She has a degree in computer science. Together with her husband, she has served the church in several countries in Central America and Mexico. They have led different ministries within the church. Their daughter, Vanessa, is 20 years old and studying medicine. Their 16-year-old son is still in high school. They have lived in Costa Rica for almost 16 years. Elizabeth is currently pursuing a master's degree in Bible at Rocky Mountain University.