Are you as tired as I am of trying to barrel your way through life on your own strength? My own energy, ability, and wisdom can only get me so far. Recently God used a kitchen mixer—yes, you read that right—to gently remind me of my need for His empowerment.
My daughter called it the plot twist of 2018
Christmas before last, I bought a new mixer. Because our family uses appliances hard and because quality control in our country is unreliable, this was mixer #13. And it stopped working the first time I used it. Unbelievable.
The next day, I threw it in the trunk of my car, thinking I’d return it. But unfortunately, organization isn’t my strong point, so mixer #13 remained in the trunk of my car for 15 months. Meanwhile my daughter and I worked out our arm muscles any time we wanted to bake. Finally last week, I got the mixer out of the trunk to try it once more before throwing it away.
Well, guess what? It worked! I had to laugh because for more than one year I carried a working mixer in the trunk of my car, yet I sweated up a storm every time I needed to make a cake or cookies.
I exhausted myself needlessly. And sometimes we do the same in our Christian lives, don’t we?
We carry the Holy Spirit inside us, yet rely on our own strength and ability.
We strive to believe harder when we doubt, grasp for peace when we’re anxious, and try to figure out what to do next when life gets tough. No wonder we end up exhausted.
Suzanne Eller’s new book The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith without Borders speaks fresh life into the valuable promise Jesus gives us in John 14:16.
Through the Holy Spirit, we have:
A Constant Companion.
We are never alone. Our Helper reminds us we are beloved children of God.
Renewed Faith.
The Holy Spirit guides us to the truth of who God is and what He does. He enables us to trust God as He brings the Scripture alive for us.
Guidance.
When we don’t know what to do, the Holy Spirit shows us our next step.
Power to live the Christian Life.
Our Helper empowers us to believe, grow, and live a life of love that will impact those around us.
The Spirit-Led Heart shows us how to walk in a closer relationship to the Holy Spirit, receive the help God wants to give, and be empowered to touch others.
It gave me a fresh glimpse of what God can do in our lives. Rather than running ourselves into the ground, we can turn to the Holy Spirit for renewed strength, faith, hope, and guidance to live the life God wants for us.
Suzie’s warm, conversational tone makes me feel like I’m sitting at her kitchen table. The book includes poignant, real-life stories, Bible teaching, encouraging inspiration, and wisdom for our lives. What I love best about this book is that each chapter ends with a Scripture verse, a promise, an invitation to live it out, and a prayer to ask the Holy Spirit for help. These help me internalize the message.
If you want to learn more about how to live out the promise of the Holy Spirit, I’d definitely encourage you to read The Spirit-Led Heart.
Friend, if you feel lonely, powerless, or unsure today, remember you have a Helper who never leaves you.
Ask God to meet your need and empower you today by His Spirit. Will you pray with me?
Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Would you fill me in a fresh way with your Holy Spirit? Guide my steps today. Fill me with your power. Help me remember I am not alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Are you facing the challenges of life on an empty tank? Need help renewing your relationship with God?
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Photo Credit: Melika
Hi Betsy. I remember your video with the mixer! Loved Suzie’s book too. My small group and I will study it together in August. Your graphics are beautiful! Sharing on Pinterest and Twitter.
Thanks so much, Sarah! That’s great about your small group studying Suzie’s book in August!
Betsy,
I love Suzie’s tone in her books and articles. I wish I had more time to read her book, but will put it on the list. I wrote about the Holy Spirit today too – an oft overlooked guide and companion we forget that we have. Great synopsis.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Yes, Bev. I love her tone too. Suzie’s the real deal. Blessings to you as you seek to walk in step with the Holy Spirit! I appreciate you.
What a great object lesson, and I have heard so much good about Suzie’s book! Thanks for sharing that along with your great teachable moment!
You’re welcome, Michele. I still can’t get over carrying that mixer around in my trunk all year!
I had to laugh when I read about the mixer. And I cringed when I realized how often I do the same thing with my relationship with God. I can’t wait to read Suzie’s book.
I think you’ll enjoy the book, Debbie. I felt like it came at just the right time for me.
Laughing at your mixer story, Betsy. I’ve done similar things so you’re not alone. 🙂 What a great analogy it makes! I know WAY too often I don’t tap into the Lord’s strength that he is ready to give me. “We carry the Holy Spirit inside us, yet rely on our own strength and ability.”
Yes, it just hit me clear as a bell. We carry the Spirit inside us. Kind of like I carried around that mixer in my car!!! Glad I’m not alone, Lisa. 🙂
I love the story about the mixer, Betsy, and it is the perfect illustration of how even though we have the Holy Spirit to help us we can often work hard, trying to do it all in our own strength!
Yes, Lesley. I do that way too often: try to power through on my own strength. Until I putter out. 🙂 Works so much better to ask God to fill me.
Dear Betsy, when I stumble about in my own power and finally fall on my face, I ask myself if it’s because I’m clueless or arrogant. (Probably a mixture of both.) Thanks and blessings for this gentle reminder that the Holy Spirit will provide all we need when we trust and obey the promises of Jesus.
Ha! Alice, I’m probably both clueless AND arrogant too. But I’m learning to humble myself and go to God.
Hey neighbor at Holley’s!!! Glad we parked next to one another. Great post. xo
Thanks for reading, Susan!
Such a great reminder, Betsy, and a great book! I need to remember to step back and let the Holy Spirit do His job of Helper in my life. God bless you, friend.
Yes, to stepping back and letting Him step in!
13 mixers?! Wowzers. Such a good piece, Betsy. This one pulled me right into a bear hug with understanding. As a strong-willed girl, I’ve often found myself driving around with a “mixer” in my trunk. Sigh. But how beautiful is our Counselor. How reliable. How able. How available.
Good word.
I may be exaggerating slightly, Kristi, but I lost count long ago! What I know is mixer #12 lasted about 6 weeks… So really, it could easily be more than 13… Yes, our Counselor is beautiful, indeed.