Open the Window

One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in Scripture is the wind (Gen 1:2, Acts 2:2). The word "Spirit" in Hebrew means "breath" or "wind," so that the Holy Spirit could literally be called the "Wind" or "Breath" of God.

On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were all in the upper room tarrying, just as Jesus had instructed them, when suddenly the room was filled with the sound of a mighty rushing wind. It was the sound of power, of force, and of the presence of the Holy Spirit in that upper room (Acts 2:2).

The wind is one of the most powerful forces on the face of the earth, and this comparison with the Holy Spirit working in the believer is not by accident. Let me share with you three ways the wind of God works in our lives:

1. The wind transforms. The constant blowing of the wind moves sand dunes. It carves through canyons. Over time, it changes everything it touches. That’s what the Holy Spirit does in us. He blows through our rough edges, our doubts, our bad habits—and slowly but surely, we’re not who we used to be. You may not see it yet, but you’re being transformed.

2. The wind empowers. Windmills have been used for thousands of years to grind grain and pump water for irrigation. More recently, windmill farms have been built to generate electricity. And in the same way, you and I are empowered when the Holy Spirit starts blowing in our lives. Suddenly, you have strength you didn’t know you had, because God’s wind is turning your weakness into power.

3. Finally, the wind breaks through. We have all seen pictures of the vast devastation hurricanes and tornadoes can leave behind. There are times when we need the Holy Spirit to move in our lives like a warm, gentle summer breeze, and there are other times when we need the "Wind of God" to blow with destructive force and demolish every stronghold, every wall, every obstacle the enemy has around us.

So, what do we do on this Pentecost day? We open the window of our hearts. We let the wind of God blow to transform us, to empower us, and to demolish every obstacle the enemy has around us.

The wind is blowing, friends. And it’s blowing in your direction.