Batteries Included: Embracing the Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit

When I was a child, one of the worst things that could happen at Christmas, even worse than getting clothes, was unwrapping an awesome toy, only to discover on the box those dreaded words, “Batteries Not Included.” On any other day of the year, there would have been batteries in some drawer somewhere, but not on Christmas Day. There were never any spare batteries on Christmas. It was truly heart-wrenching. 

Just as our toys needed power long ago, so we need power today. Fortunately, one of the works of the Holy Spirit is to give power to his children. 

There are examples throughout the Bible of empowerment by the Holy Spirit. One of these is in Acts 1, which says concerning Jesus in verses 4-5, “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” The disciples knew what Jesus meant because he had told them previously that they would receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:26)  and be “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Then he said this:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Jesus was telling his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and into them, and he would give them all the power they would need to do all that God called them to do. It would only be through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that they would have the ability to be effective in their calling. 

The Spirit still does this for believers today. He gives us his power and strength to enable us to do and be all that we need to do and be, and only through the empowering of the Holy Spirit can we accomplish his will. I don’t know what God is calling you to do, but I know he’s calling you to do things you could never do on your own. If what you’re working toward can be done in your power, are you following God’s will, or yours?

While I don’t know about your situation, the Bible does teach us some things the Holy Spirit empowers us to do. Here are a few of them:

First, and we’ve touched on this already, the Holy Spirit will give you power to live how he wants you to. God calls us to holiness, but he never expects us to be holy in our strength. Paul gives us a famous list of characteristics a Christian should exhibit, and it includes such character traits as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul also tells us where these traits come from; he calls them the “fruit of the Spirit.” When we’re living in the power of the Holy Spirit, we naturally exhibit these characteristics. 

So, how are you doing here? Here’s the list again: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Do people recognize these traits in your life? Are you known as a person who loves well? Have people seen your incredible peace during trying times? What about patience? I admit this is tough for me. A lost character trait today seems to be kindness. I believe that if Christians would be kind people, we could change the world.

While the Holy Spirit gives us the strength we need to live holy lives, he also gives us courage when we’re afraid. Here’s what Paul wrote to Timothy:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Timothy had a calling, just like you have a calling, but Paul had to remind him of the power available to him that would allow him to be effective. He says, “Timothy, you have the Holy Spirit within you. He doesn’t make us cowards. He doesn’t bring fear into our lives. He brings limitless, unfailing power. So plug into his power, and you’ll be and do all God is calling you to.”

Everyone who knows me knows I have a fear of bridges. When I go across a bridge, I get tense and quiet. I hold my breath most of the way, look straight ahead, and am overwhelmed with fear. My children picked up on this, so when they were little, every time we crossed a bridge, they would start singing from the back seat, “London Bridge is falling down.” They were so encouraging.

So, what is it that fills you with fear? Are you afraid to start something new, like a new job or school? Maybe you’re waiting on lab results from a doctor. Maybe you feel like God is calling you to step out in faith, and that scares you to death.

When I’ve been the most afraid, God has given me courage (yes, even when crossing bridges). He’s reminded me that he’s in complete control; whatever happens, he has allowed it to happen and it’s for my best and his glory. That encouragement comes from the Holy Spirit. Trust me, if he can do that for me, he can do it for anybody. He gives us courage when we’re afraid.

One last thing I’ll mention: the Holy Spirit gives you strength when you’re weak. How do I know he’ll do this? Because the Bible says so:

“My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 GNT). 

When you’re in a situation and feel there’s no way you can get through it, that’s when God works best. When you’re trying to do something for God and you know he’s led you to do it, and you feel like there’s no way you can, you’re probably right. You can’t. That’s right where God wants you to be. You can’t, but he can. What you can do is depend on his power to do it through you.

The natural question we ask now is, “How do I get this power?” Let’s face it, probably most Christians today are walking around not experiencing any of the Spirit’s power. There’s no magic formula to obtain God’s power. There are, however, some things that can make us available to receive his power.

First, spend time with God. Strengthen your fellowship with him. Carve out regular time for reading the Bible and listening to what he says to you through his Word. Talk to God. Prayer is one of his most amazing gifts to us. Pray throughout the day, making a habit of talking to God any time about anything. Think about him constantly, and set aside a time every day when you get alone with him, one-on-one, in prayer.

Another thing that will open us up to God’s power is to do what God says to do. God is sovereign and free to work as he sees fit, but usually, we have to obey before we receive his power. Throughout the Bible, time and time again, people had to step out in faith and obey God’s instructions, even when they didn’t make sense, even when the whole world was against them, before God would provide the power. This includes living a lifestyle of surrender to him in every part of our lives, a mindset of “God, I need you” and “God, I trust you and submit fully to you.”

The Holy Spirit has unlimited power to give us. We, on the other hand, are like that Christmas toy, “batteries not included.” We desperately need his power, and he wants to give it. Will you humble yourself and ask for his power today? Will you work on your fellowship with him, get to know him, and obey him even when it’s difficult? Open yourself up to his power, and be ready when he gives it.

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