by Elizabeth Haarberg

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is for us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I don’t live by an ocean. In fact we are 80 miles from Smith County, Kansas, the geographical center of the US. Which means we are about as far from an ocean as anyone can be in the US.

Occasionally, when we are able to visit an area that is near an ocean, I’m entranced. I’m overtaken by the vastness and beauty of the body of water that appears infinite. This leads me to think just how large, and wonderful, God must be if he made something this big and how stunning he is.

“The Lord on high is mightier and more glorious than the noise of many waters, yes, than the mighty breakers and waves of the sea.”
Psalm 93:4

The love of Christ is more beautiful and vast than the ocean. When we fall into the ocean of His love, not just knee deep but drowning in His love, we are forever changed.

When Jesus told Peter to jump into the sea and walk on water, he didn’t hesitate.

“Lord, is it You?” Peter asked. “If it is, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus.” But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, “Lord! Save me!” Right away Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “Your faith is so small!” He said. “Why did you doubt Me?”
Matthew 14:28-31

Amazingly Peter walked on water, but even more than that he did it before he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter was being held up by his faith, and love, of the Son of God and the example Jesus gave them. The Spirit of the Lord had not descended on the world yet. That happened in Acts 2.

“I assure you, most solemnly, I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things I do: and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.”
John 14:12

Because Jesus left and the Holy Spirit is here, pulsating and alive in us, we are called to be miraculous. Giving glory to God all the time.

If we don’t think this is possible, maybe all we need to do is take in a view of the ocean. EVERYTHING is possible with God.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photo credits: Maggie Williams, my amazing sister. Taken in Cayman Brac at sunset.