Spirit Filled

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, NIV)

This photo was taken on a random Summer evening in the Puget Sound as I watched a regatta of sailboats make their way up and downwind along the course that was laid out for them in the water. This particular boat I had noticed was carrying a large orange spinnaker that had been let out a few times and it was during one of the last downwind turns that I noticed that the sun would be setting at the perfect moment for the crew to be letting out the spinnaker to fill with wind and be beautifully backlit by the sunset.

In order for this photo to be captured as I envisioned it required a recognition of the lighting potential and the position of the boat in advance so that I could get set up for when the boat passed again. For outdoor photography the challenge is that there is no control over the lighting and the subjects being photographed cannot be told where to be whether stationary or moving. This is actually one of the things that is to me most enjoyable about this art form as it is both challenging and at times frustrating but always rewarding.

I chose this photo today because it made me think of the power that is actually moving the boat. It is wind that we cannot see with our eyes but is very real with actual impact. We can feel it and we can see the effects it has but we cannot see it and certainly cannot control it. All the crew of the boat can do is to recognize that the wind is present and then put themselves in proper position to be moved by it.

Just as it is with the sailboat in the wind, our lives should be powered and directed by the Holy Spirit if we belong to Christ. All we need to do is get out there on the water, raise our sails to be in position and let Him carry us along and trust Him to provide the power and guidance we need for the journey. All too often we either don’t want to enter the water or if we do we don’t want to raise our sails and then we wonder why we aren’t getting anywhere. Even worse, we might choose a direction that is completely contrary to where the Spirit is directing so we end up fighting against His power and end up wearing ourselves out in the process. Not only is it best to let the unseen power of the Spirit provide the driving force but it is also best to let the Lord be the Captain and give him the wheel as well.

My challenge to you today is to relax and let the Holy Spirit be the power in your life. Get out there on the water, put your sails up high and enjoy the ride because He has some amazing places to take you in your life!