This phrase, mentioned in Acts 2, reminded me of an incident many years ago.
We lived in a small village outside Colchester, Essex, and to save money I decided to cycle to and from work a few miles away. It was quite a struggle for the first few days, but one evening I was cycling home and down a long descent for the last part of my journey. Coming in the opposite direction was another cyclist, and though coming up the slope was travelling much faster than I was. I imagined that anyone looking out of a window of one of the properties on either side would be intrigued. The difference was that the other cyclist had the wind behind him, while I was facing it.
Whenever there is a strong wind, it reminds me of that incident, and of course, the verse in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled the house where they were sitting.” I am not the only person to feel apprehensive listening to a similar sound outside our property, possibly enhanced when it is still dark. One of the following morning tasks is to open the curtains and inspect the garden and the fences.
Have you ever experienced the power of God, the Holy Spirit, and if not, would we be as apprehensive? My preference is for the “still small voice” as described in 1 Kings 19 verse 12.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it may not be easy to ensure that our lives are free from sin, and to seek the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. May we be willing to know and experience the power of the Holy Spirit, not with apprehension, but excitement. AMEN