On June 11, 2023, Pastor Eric began Part Two of his series titled The Missing Purposes of the Holy Spirit. Part Two of the series was particularly enlightening for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Holy Spirit and His role in their lives.

Two weeks ago, New Beginning Church had the pleasure of hosting Pastor Jeff Laird as a guest speaker. During his sermon, he emphasized the importance of the missing ingredient in our spiritual lives. Pastor Jeff spoke about the importance of embracing all three key elements of the Christian faith that the earlier apostles focused on. He mentioned that the apostles were never satisfied with just two out of the three, but always emphasized the need for all three to be present in our lives. These three key elements are salvation, water baptism, and baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is the first and most fundamental element of our faith, as Christians. It is the act of accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Saviour and receiving forgiveness for one’s sins. Water baptism is the outward expression of this inward decision to follow Christ. It is a symbolic act of dying to one’s old self and being raised to new life in Christ. Baptism of the Holy Spirit, on the other hand, is the empowering of God’s Spirit in one’s life. It is a gift from God that enables believers to live a life of power and effectiveness in their Christian walk.

Pastor Jeff pointed out that Christians today often settle for just two out of the three key elements of the faith. Some may have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and have been baptized in water, but have not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Others may have accepted Christ and received the baptism of the Spirit, but have not yet been baptized in water. And still, others may have been baptized in water and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit but have not yet truly accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Pastor Jeff encouraged the congregation to embrace all three key elements of our faith and not settle for less. He emphasized that each element is important and necessary for a complete and effective Christian walk. By embracing all three, Christians can experience the fullness of God’s power and presence in their lives.

The Holy Spirit is often the missing piece in the lives of many people. Despite His importance, some individuals don’t fully comprehend His roles and purposes.

It is crucial to grasp the significance of the Holy Spirit for three primary reasons:

1 – Failing to understand the roles of the Holy Spirit can result in us missing out on the blessings that come with walking in the Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit is known to have multiple roles and functions in the lives of believers. He is often described as the comforter, the counsellor, and the advocate. The Holy Spirit is also known to guide and direct believers in their daily lives. Without a clear understanding of these roles, it can be difficult to recognize the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

In Acts, chapter 19, we see a group of Christians who had received Christ and biblical teachings from a renowned scholar named Apollos. However, they were not aware of the Holy Spirit until Paul arrived and asked if they had received the Spirit when they first believed. The group responded that they had never heard of Him, prompting Paul to pray over them and lay hands on them, after which they received the Holy Spirit.

This passage highlights the importance of understanding the fullness of the gospel message, which includes the Holy Spirit. It also shows that even believers who have received solid biblical teachings can still have gaps in their understanding. As Christians, we should continually seek to grow in our knowledge and experience of God, including the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Furthermore, this passage demonstrates the power of prayer and the laying on of hands as a means of receiving God’s Spirit. While the Holy Spirit is a gift freely given by God, we can actively seek to receive and experience the Spirit’s presence through prayer and seeking the guidance of mature believers.

The Holy Spirit is an important aspect of Christianity, and it is essential that we understand what the Scriptures say about Him.

Read Acts 18:25-26

To understand the Holy Spirit, it is essential to look at the Scriptures that talk about Him. The Bible is the ultimate authority on this topic, and it provides us with a clear understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is mentioned throughout the Bible, from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation. However, some of us may need to unlearn and reexamine what we have been told about the Holy Spirit. It is possible that we have been under an Apollos, a great teacher who focused on salvation but only knew John’s baptism. His understanding of the Holy Spirit was limited, which ultimately hindered his ability to teach about Him. We read in Acts 18:25-26,

While he was in Egypt, someone had told him about John the Baptist and what John had said about Jesus, but that is all he knew. He had never heard the rest of the story! So he was preaching boldly and enthusiastically in the synagogue, ‘The Messiah is coming! Get ready to receive him!’ Priscilla and Aquila were there and heard him – and it was a powerful sermon. Afterward, they met with him and explained what had happened to Jesus since the time of John, and all that it meant!

This passage shows us that even someone as knowledgeable and gifted as Apollos was limited in his ability to teach about the Holy Spirit because of his lack of understanding. Similarly, we cannot effectively preach about something we have not experienced ourselves. It is only by having firsthand knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit that we can convey His significance to others. Furthermore, when we fail to recognize the importance of God’s Spirit, we may quench Him or ignore Him altogether. This can lead to a lack of spiritual growth and hinder our ability to live a fulfilling life. Therefore, it is essential that we seek to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in our lives.

The life of a believer is one that is meant to be in partnership with the Holy Spirit. It is through this partnership that we are able to fellowship and collaborate with God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit resides within us, and it is our responsibility to approach His role in our lives through the Scriptures. It is important that we do not come to the Scriptures with preconceived ideas, but rather allow the Scriptures to shape our thoughts and opinions. We must be humble in our approach to the Scriptures and recognize that we cannot impose our own opinions onto them. Instead, we should seek to understand the Scriptures and allow them to inform our beliefs and actions. By doing so, we can fully enter into a partnership with the Holy Spirit and experience the fullness of His power in our lives. Therefore, it is essential that we approach the Scriptures with humility and an open mind, allowing them to shape our thoughts and beliefs about the Holy Spirit; otherwise, we will miss out on the blessings that come with working with the Spirit.

2 – Understanding the roles of the Holy Spirit is essential because it helps us avoid mystifying Him. 

The Body of Christ has witnessed a series of strange occurrences done in the name of the Holy Spirit that have left many disillusioned and hesitant to embrace Charismatic practices. There have been instances of individuals claiming to be possessed by the Holy Spirit and exhibiting bizarre behaviour, including convulsions, falling backward, and other unexplainable actions. These occurrences have caused many to question the legitimacy of Charismatic practices and to steer clear of anything related to the Holy Spirit. It is understandable why some individuals would be hesitant to embrace these practices, given the strange and seemingly erratic behaviour that has been exhibited in the name of the Holy Spirit. However, it is important to note that not all Charismatic practices are rooted in strange behaviour. Many individuals have had genuine experiences with the Holy Spirit that have been life-changing and transformative. It is unfortunate that the actions of a few have tainted the reputation of a larger community. As Pastor Eric has heard someone say, “The weirder it is, the more it looks like the Holy Spirit.” This statement is problematic and perpetuates the idea that Charismatic practices are rooted in strange and unexplainable behaviour. It is important to recognize that the Holy Spirit works in a variety of ways and that not all experiences will look the same.

Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is essential for believers to develop a deeper relationship with God. When we comprehend the Holy Spirit’s function, we begin to see Him as a God of order and not of confusion. He is a God who accomplishes and fulfills the Almighty’s plan. The Holy Spirit is a creator and designer. He is not a God of chaos but of purpose and order. He works in mysterious ways that we cannot fathom, but we can trust that everything He does has a purpose. He is the One who leads us to our destiny, and He guides us in our daily lives. One of the Holy Spirit’s most significant roles is that of a teacher. He is the One who teaches us about God’s Word and helps us understand the mysteries of the faith. He speaks to us in ways that we can understand, and He guides us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit is a vital part of our faith. He is a God of order, purpose, and fulfillment. He is a creator, a designer, and a teacher. As Christians, we must seek a deeper understanding of His role and trust that He is leading us toward God’s plan for our lives.

Jesus mentioned to His disciples that He had many things to teach them, but they were not yet prepared to understand. These things were so profound and complex that they could not grasp them at that moment. However, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to teach them and give them understanding. The Holy Spirit, being the third person of the Trinity, has the power to take something so deep and difficult to understand and make it clear to those who seek it. Therefore, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us understand the mysteries of God’s Word and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is our guide, and we can trust Him to lead us into all truth.

The Bible was written by holy men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit Himself played a significant role in the creation of the Bible, so He is not weird, mystical, strange, or confusing.

Pastor Eric has the ability to identify people who are filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong foundation in their beliefs. These individuals possess sharp minds, and wisdom, and are not easily led by their emotions. They have a profound understanding of the Bible and are not swayed by strange doctrines or bizarre manifestations. Their hunger for the truth is insatiable, and their passion for being used by God is evident. These individuals serve as an inspiration to those around them, demonstrating what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God. Their unwavering commitment to God’s plan for their lives is a testament to their character and faith. Pastor Eric reminds us of the importance of being grounded in our beliefs, seeking the truth, and being passionate about serving God. In a world where so many are easily swayed by false teachings and fleeting emotions, it is refreshing to see individuals who are steadfast in their faith and committed to their calling. These individuals, like those Pastor Eric knows, are a true testament to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

3 – Without an understanding of the roles of the Holy Spirit, we run the risk of misaligning ourselves and making Him into something He is not.

We may misinterpret His actions or attribute things to Him that are not His doing. This can cause us to miss the purposes that God has for us altogether.

A Spirit-filled life is not just a matter of personal experience or feeling good about oneself. In fact, it is far more than that. According to the teachings of the Bible, a Spirit-filled life is one that is empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, and it is a life that is dedicated to serving God’s purposes in the world. As believers, we have been given a Kingdom assignment by God. We are called to fulfill the Great Commission, which is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people and to make disciples of them. This is no small task, and it requires the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit to be accomplished. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we are powerless to fulfill this assignment. We may have good intentions and even some knowledge, but we lack the supernatural ability to truly make an impact in the world. However, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to do the work that God has called us to do. Therefore, it is important that we seek to live Spirit-filled lives. This means that we must be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and be willing to obey His promptings. We must also be willing to step out in faith and take risks, knowing that God is with us and will guide us every step of the way.

Read John 16:8

The Holy Spirit has been given to us for several reasons:

Firstly, He enhances us. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives truly makes us better people. One of the ways He does that is by convicting us of sin. When we are convicted of our wrongdoing, we are more likely to take responsibility for our actions and seek forgiveness. This leads to a greater sense of humility and a desire to live a more righteous life.

Read Galatians 5:22-23

Secondly, He produces a Christ-like character in us and empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God. He gives us the strength and courage to resist temptation and overcome the challenges that we face in life. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to live a life that is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Read Acts 4:31

Thirdly, He gives us boldness. This can be observed in the transformation that occurs in individuals before and after Pentecost. By studying the gospels and the Book of Acts, it becomes clear that the Holy Spirit’s power was fully unleashed upon the disciples after Pentecost, enabling them to boldly proclaim the gospel message and perform miracles in Jesus’ name. The transformation that occurred in the disciples was not limited to just their boldness. They were also given a deep understanding of the Scriptures and the ability to speak in tongues. This transformation was not just limited to the disciples, but it spread to the early Church and ultimately transformed the world.

As believers, we too can experience the power of the Holy Spirit and the transformation that comes with it. By relying on Him, we can boldly proclaim the gospel message and make a difference in the world around us. So let us seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives and allow Him to transform us into the image of Christ.

Read John 14:26

The Holy Spirit’s role is to help us. John 14:26 states,

But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name.

He is referred to as the Helper, whose primary function is to teach and remind us of everything that Jesus Christ taught us. There are many names in the Bible to describe the Holy Spirit, but one of the most significant is the Helper. This name emphasizes His role as our advocate and counsellor, always ready to assist us in our times of need. Whether we are struggling with a difficult decision or facing a spiritual crisis, the Holy Spirit is there to guide us and provide us with the wisdom and insight we need to overcome our challenges.

The world has been witnessing a remarkable advancement in technology, which has left many people both fascinated and nervous. The advent of the Internet, for instance, has brought about mixed feelings among people. While some were impressed and fascinated by its potential, others were scared of the unknown. The situation is similar to what we are facing today with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is designed to make our lives easier by helping us with our mundane tasks. It has the potential to transform the way we live, work, and interact with each other. The technology is already being used in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. However, despite the numerous benefits of AI, there are concerns about its impact on society. Some fear that the technology could take over jobs that are traditionally performed by humans, leading to widespread unemployment. Others worry about the ethical implications of AI, such as the potential for biased decision-making and invasion of privacy. The rise of technology, particularly AI, has brought about both excitement and apprehension.

Read Genesis 1:2, 2 Peter 1:21, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:16, and Romans 8:11-13

As impressive as these technological advancements may be, they are still limited in their ability to truly help us on a deeper level. This is where the Helper comes in. As Christians, we believe that the Holy Spirit is not just some abstract concept or distant force, but a living presence within us. Scripture describes the Helper as the Holy Spirit who was present and involved in the creation of the world (Genesis 1:2); the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to deliver God’s messages (2 Peter 1:21); the Holy Spirit who reveals the deep things of God to believers (1 Corinthians 2:10-11); the Holy Spirit who wrote the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16); and the Holy Spirit who rose Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11-13).

The word ‘helper’ is derived from the Greek word ‘parakletos’ which means ‘called to one’s aid’. The Holy Spirit, who is called upon to assist us in times of need, is an advocate, intercessor, consoler, comforter, and helper.

Read John 14:15-17

Jesus is known for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. He came to earth to die for our sins, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. He was buried for three days, but on the third day, He rose again, defeating death and offering us eternal life. After rising from the dead, Jesus spent 40 days on earth, appearing to His disciples and teaching them about the Kingdom of God. He then ascended to heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father.

One of the most significant promises that Christ made to His followers is that He would send them the Holy Spirit, who would be their Helper and Guide. In John 14:16-17, Jesus tells His disciples, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. The Helper is the Spirit of truth. The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you, and he will be in you.”

The world does not know Him or see Him, but as Christians, however, we have the privilege of experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit within us forever. This is a powerful and transformative experience that shapes our lives and our faith.

The Helper is always available to assist us in our daily lives. However, it is important to note that He will not force His assistance upon us. As much as He wants to help us, we have the power to resist His help and try to do things on our own. It is within our control to reject His help and refuse to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. On the other hand, we also have the choice to ask Him to guide us, teach us, speak to us, speak through us, enlighten us, and even evangelize through us. We can also request His help in prayer. By acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s presence and opening ourselves up to His guidance, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment in our lives. It is important to remember that while the Holy Spirit is always there to help, it is ultimately up to us to accept or reject His assistance.

1 – THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS KEEP OUR HEARTS AFLAME.

Read Romans 12:11

One of the many ways in which the Holy Spirit helps believers is by fanning the flames of our devotion to God. As Christians, it is vital that we remain passionate about the Lord, and the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us achieve this. The Bible warns us about becoming sleepy, slothful, cold, or lukewarm in our faith. These are all dangerous paths that can lead us away from our relationship with God. Romans 12:11 reminds us to never be lazy in our work for the Lord, Instead, we are called to serve Him enthusiastically.

The Greek word for ‘fervent’ is ‘zeo’, which means ‘to boil’ or ‘to be hot’. As Christians, we are called to be passionate and enthusiastic in our faith, to be on fire for Jesus. This means that we should be boiling for Him, fully committed to living out His teachings and following His example. Being fervent in Spirit means that we are completely dedicated to our relationship with God, and we strive to deepen our connection with Him every day. We should be eager to learn more about Him, to pray and worship Him, and to share His love with others.

A few months ago, Pastor Eric had the opportunity to catch up with some old friends whom he had not seen in a long time. As they engaged in conversation, they began to share stories about what God was doing in their lives. Pastor Eric was filled with excitement as he thought about all the wonderful things that God was doing in his own life. However, as the conversation continued, Pastor Eric began to feel uncomfortable. He did not want to come across as proud or arrogant, and so he downplayed the situation. He found himself minimizing what God was doing in his life. When he got in his car, God spoke to him loud and clear. The message was simple but profound: “Don’t be concerned for one second about people thinking you are too spiritual. Rather, be more concerned about Me finding you lukewarm.”

It is important that we do not apologize for our love and passion for the Lord. Our excitement and enthusiasm for Him should not be something we are ashamed of, but rather something we embrace and celebrate. It is easy to become distracted by the world and lose our fervency for the Lord, but we must strive to maintain that fire within us. As we grow in our faith, it is important to remember our first love for the Lord. We should never become complacent or apathetic in our relationship with Him. Instead, we should continually seek Him and pursue a deeper understanding of His love for us. Although some may criticize us for talking too much about the Lord, we should not be discouraged. We should boldly proclaim His love and share our testimony with others. Our passion for the Lord can be contagious and inspire others to seek Him as well.

Read Luke 3:16

John the Baptist described it best when he said

I baptize you in water, but there is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can. I am not good enough to be the slave who unties his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

There is a crucial need for a fire in the church today. Not a physical fire, but a spiritual one that ignites believers. The Holy Spirit is the fuel that sustains and grows the fire within us. Without this fire, we become lukewarm or cold in our faith. We become complacent and lazy, losing sight of our God-given mission and purpose. The fire that the Holy Spirit ignites within us fuels our passion for spreading the gospel and serving others. It enables us to focus on the important things and avoid getting caught up in minor issues. When we lack this fire, we tend to argue and bicker over insignificant things, and we easily lose sight of our priorities.

Fire is synonymous with:

a, Empowerment.

Read Acts 2:1-4

According to Acts 2:1-4, all the believers were gathered together in one place when a sudden sound like a mighty windstorm filled the house where they were sitting. Soon after, what seemed like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of the believers. As a result, all those present were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. This event marked a significant turning point in their lives as they received new boldness and courage to proclaim the gospel. The Holy Spirit empowered them to perform signs and wonders, confirming the promise Jesus made to them in Acts 1:8. Jesus had told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they would be His witnesses everywhere, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. He played a crucial role in the disciples’ ministry as they preached the gospel to all nations. They were no longer afraid of persecution and death, for they knew that the Holy Spirit was with them and guiding them. The disciples’ lives were transformed, and they became fearless ambassadors of Christ, spreading the Good News to all who would listen.

Power is a by-product of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is not merely a delivery of words but is also meant to be delivered with power. The gospel is not just about acquiring knowledge but is about the transformation that occurs when the power of God is present. It is not just a set of teachings that we can learn from, but it is the power of God that enables us to act upon what we have learned. As believers we need a fresh baptism of fire, a renewed sense of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Without this power, we are unable to truly live out the gospel and its teachings. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow His power to work through us, enabling us to live lives that are pleasing to God.

b, The presence of God.

Read Hebrews 12:29 and Exodus 13:21

Hebrews 12:29 describes God as “a consuming fire”. This description of God as a fire is not new in the Bible. Fire is often used as a symbol of God’s presence and power. For example, when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, it signified God’s presence and power. The same can be said when God led His people through the wilderness. He led them by a pillar of cloud during the day and by a pillar of fire at night. When we are in the presence of God, we can expect to be energized and filled with joy. The fire of God’s presence brings us new strength. Just as fire gives light and warmth, God’s presence illuminates and warms our hearts. It gives us the courage to face challenges and overcome obstacles. It also gives us the motivation to keep pushing forward, even when we feel like giving up. The fire of God’s presence is a powerful force that brings life, joy, and strength. When we seek God’s presence, we can expect to be transformed and empowered to live a life that honours Him.

c, Purification.

Gold and silver, two of the most precious metals, have always been refined and purified by fire. Fire has the ability to melt and separate impurities from precious metals, leaving only pure gold and silver behind. Similarly, believers are purified and refined by fire. However, the fire that purifies believers is not a physical fire, but a spiritual one. This fire is sometimes seen through the trials and testing that believers go through. The difficulties we face can reveal impurities in our character, motives, and thoughts. It is through this refining process that believers are made pure and holy, just like gold and silver. The refining work of the Holy Spirit is like the fire that purifies gold and silver. He works in us, revealing our weaknesses and flaws, and burning away the impurities in our hearts and minds. It is through this refining process that we are transformed into the image of Christ. Just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire, so too are believers. The trials and difficulties we face in life may be painful, but they are necessary for our spiritual growth and transformation. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, burning away the impurities, we become more like Christ and are able to fulfill the purpose for which we were created.

Someone said,

Fire is a wonderful picture of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is like a fire in at least three ways: He brings God’s presence, God’s passion, and God’s purity.

2 – THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US TO STAY HOPEFUL IN HOPELESS TIMES.

Read Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13 states,

So I pray for you Gentiles that God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. I pray that God will help you overflow with hope in him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you.

The apostle Paul prays that God will keep the Gentiles happy and full of peace as they believe in Him. He also prays that God will help them overflow with hope in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit within them. It is through His power that believers can experience an abundance of hope, even in the most hopeless of times. The Holy Spirit is the source of our confidence and assurance that God is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. Paul’s prayer for the Gentiles is a reminder that as believers, we have access to an unlimited supply of hope through the Holy Spirit. This hope is not based on our circumstances or on our own abilities but on the power of God working within us. It is a hope that sustains us through difficult times and gives us the strength to persevere. Romans 15:13 is a powerful reminder of the hope that is available to us through the Holy Spirit. As we believe in God and trust in His promises, we can experience a deep sense of peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.

The context surrounding Paul’s writing of the Book of Romans is important in understanding his message. It is clear that Paul was not writing with our day in mind. In fact, his day in Rome was vastly different from our own. Compared to our day, his day would have been characterized by severe persecution of Christians. During the time when Paul wrote the Book of Romans, Christianity was not recognized as a legal religion. This meant that believers were subject to harsh treatment by the Roman authorities. Nero was the Emperor of Rome at the time, reigning from 54 AD to 68 AD. He was known for his cruelty towards Christians and is said to have persecuted them severely. Given this context, it is clear that Paul was writing to a community of believers who were facing intense persecution. His words were meant to provide comfort and guidance to those who were struggling in the face of this adversity. He told them to not lose hope.

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and uncertainty of everyday life. We may feel as though we are facing hopeless situations, whether it’s related to our health, our children, our marriage, or our finances. However, it’s important to remember that our hope should not be placed solely in our current circumstances or in the world around us. Instead, we should look towards the message of individuals such as Paul, who reminds us that our hope should be in the Lord. Even though our day-to-day lives may be vastly different from Paul’s, we can still learn from his message and apply it to our own lives. By placing our faith in the Lord, we can find the strength and resilience to persevere through even the toughest of times. It’s important to remember that while our circumstances may be difficult, they do not define us. By keeping our hope and faith in the Lord, we can find the courage to face each day with grace and determination. So, if we’re feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, we are to remember to turn towards the Lord and trust in His plan for our lives. With His guidance and love, we can make it through anything that comes our way.