Hidden Things (Gospel Study—Week 1)

​"'When the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me...

​Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord will fulfill what He has spoken to her." Luke 1:39-45

As a mom, I live on a steady diet of my own words. Just when I think I have a problem or phase figured out, I’m confronted with another… then another… then another. Over time my mental list of “problems to tackle” seems a little too much like my never-ending pile of laundry. Do you ever feel the same?

Unlike my Mount Rushmore of stinky socks wrought with abomidable pre-teen stinch, I’ve learned I’m not alone in my quest to tackle all of life’s problems. Neither are you, my friend.

As Believers, God has placed within each of us the gift of the Holy Spirit, His very person and presence. The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit is a seal that serves as proof that we are His (Eph. 1:13). The Holy Spirit also convicts us of our sin (John 16:7-8), and intercedes for us according to God’s will (Rom. 8:26-27). I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth, found in Luke 1, because it points to another function of the Holy Spirit...

When Elizabeth became “filled with the Holy Spirit” she gained insight that she didn’t have before. In case you’ve never read the story, Mary never told Elizabeth about the angel’s visitation, or that she was carrying the Son of God. The Holy Spirit gave her that knowledge. Isn’t that awesome?

What’s even more mind-blowing is the Holy Spirit wants to do the same for you and me. Now, I’m not saying he’ll set off an inner-radar that tells you when your BFF is pregnant (that would be cool though, am I right?). However, when we find ourselves in difficult situations where the answers aren’t so clear, the Holy Spirit can reveal wisdom to us we wouldn’t have inside our own limited understanding. This is often called revelation or discernment.

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit searches “the depths of God” (1 Cor. 2:10), and gives us access to His knowledge and perspective. This is not a special gift reserved for the “ultra-spiritual” among us. It’s for you, for me, and for ALL followers of Christ!! The Holy Spirit can pull back the dark curtain of confusion from our minds, and allow the light of hope inside. He can help us recognize Jesus in every situation we face.

In what area do you need revelation today? Maybe it’s your marriage, a wayward child, finances, your career, or even your health. We were never made to have all the answers. We were made to look to the One who does.

​You don’t have to figure out your next step alone. The Holy Spirit was given for this purpose. It doesn’t take an elaborate prayer, and it’s certainly not magic. Simply admit your need, ask Him for revelation, and keep your eyes and ears open.

“He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells within him.” Daniel 2:21-22 (CSB)