The Spirit’s Work in Us, As in Christ
📖 Day by Day by Grace – Bob Hoekstra
📸 Photo Credit: Unsplash
“That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit… and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him… Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
(Matthew 1:20; 3:16; 4:1)
The life of Jesus on earth was entirely dependent upon the Holy Spirit. From conception to ministry to daily guidance, the Spirit was at work. He was not merely an influence in Christ’s life—He was the initiator, sustainer, and guide of all that Jesus did as He walked among us.
The same Spirit who brought Jesus into the world is the One who birthed us into God’s family. Our spiritual life did not begin through human effort but by the Spirit of God. “Unless one is born of…the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Just as Jesus’ birth was a divine work, so too is our new birth in Christ—wholly accomplished by God’s power.
When Jesus stepped forward in ministry, the Spirit descended upon Him, confirming His mission and equipping Him for service. In the same way, our validation and power for service do not come from human strength but from the Spirit. "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). Any work that bears eternal fruit flows from the Spirit, not from human will or determination.
Even in life’s most trying moments, Jesus relied upon the Spirit to lead Him. He did not navigate by human reasoning or even His own divine omniscience but walked in full surrender to the Spirit’s guidance. Likewise, we are called to live not by self-direction but by the Spirit’s leading. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
Think of a compass in the hands of a traveler. The needle does not waver based on emotions or personal inclinations; it consistently points north, providing sure direction. The Holy Spirit is our unerring guide, always leading us in the way of life and truth. When we yield, He directs our steps perfectly.
Reflection Questions
In what ways have you seen the Spirit’s work in your life, from your new birth to daily guidance?
Are there areas where you have relied on human wisdom rather than yielding to the Spirit’s direction?
How does knowing that Jesus Himself walked in dependence on the Spirit change your perspective on daily living?
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice in the work of Your Spirit in my life. Just as You brought me into Your family by Your Spirit, so also You sustain and lead me each day. I trust You to guide me, to empower me, and to accomplish all that You desire in and through me. Thank You that I do not have to rely on my own strength, wisdom, or effort, but can walk in the sufficiency of Your Spirit. Your presence is my assurance, and I rest in the certainty that You are directing my steps. Amen.
Final Thought
The Spirit’s work in Jesus is the pattern for our own lives. Just as He was conceived, empowered, and led by the Spirit, so too are we to live in the fullness of the Spirit’s life within us. Let us walk in that reality today.