What gives a traffic warden the boldness to stand in the middle of a busy road and direct moving vehicles? He halts some drivers and urges others to move on, and they can’t but obey him. The reason he can do so is that he’s empowered by the authority of the state. He isn’t working according to his own power, but by the power vested in him by the government.
Similarly, you need God’s divine power to carry out His work on the earth. You can’t serve Him through your mere human ability. Even though you love God so much and have a strong desire to serve Him, you still need His divine enablement to do it right. And that’s what the Holy Spirit brings to you when you receive Him. He empowers you to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.
In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul the apostle encouraged a young pastor named Timothy: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” You’ve got divine ability in you; all you need do is stir it up. The Holy Spirit came to help you live an exceptional life. As you pray in tongues, the anointing of the Spirit is stirred up inside you. This is how to launch yourself into the great future He’s planned for you.
