You Do Not Have to "Go It Alone"

Were you ever assigned a task that you were not prepared to do?

Many years ago (more than I care to admit) I was asked to be on a church stewardship board. I knew very little about Biblical stewardship and I would have to ask people for money (gasp!). I accepted, but I felt totally inadequate for the job. I had neither the skills nor the training.

The apostles must have felt like this shortly after Jesus death. Just before ascending to heaven, Jesus told them to “Go and make disciples of all nations and … teach them ...” Jesus had previously told the apostles he would be leaving, but would have God send an advocate (or counselor) to be with them. Most likely the apostles forgot about this promise, but even if they remembered, did not understand what it meant.

Today’s reading (Acts 2:1-4) is about the arrival of that counselor, the Holy Spirit. What an awesome event that was!

Today the Holy Spirit comes in a less dramatic, yet equally effective, manner. Through our baptism, because of Jesus death, He makes us Holy and acceptable to God. We also become members of Jesus’ Heavenly Kingdom. A blessing indeed!

Members of the kingdom have the privilege of carrying out Christ’s work in this world. We are to worship God, care for people and “Go and make disciples”.

Being asked to serve in the church made me realize I had an active role to play in the Kingdom. Before that, I suppose I thought that all I had to do was sit back and enjoy God’s blessings.

I survived my role on the stewardship board. I met a lot of people, I learned a lot about God’s plan and with God’s help, the board even raised enough money to build a new sanctuary for the church.

Later it dawned on me. The counselor, that is the Holy Spirit, provided me with everything I needed to carry out God’s work.

The counselor is with me. I do not have to go it alone. What a relief!