Get Filled with the Holy Spirit

People understand the fullness of the Holy Spirit in various ways. No matter how you understand it, most agree that the Holy Spirit and His fullness influence and empower witnessing to unbelievers. Jesus promised, “[But] you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotes part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Speaking in tongues in my morning prayer time makes a monumental difference for me. Without getting filled with the Holy Spirit, I’m a no-show when it comes to witnessing. Praying in tongues fills me with His Spirit and keeps me that way. It lifts me out of myself and gives me a “lightness” that I don’t normally possess in my mundane self.

Whatever works for you, or however you understand “being filled with the Holy Spirit,” get some power to speak of Jesus to unbelievers. The Holy Spirit is God’s “Provider” to help us witness. Don’t leave home without Him!

The story below is an example of how God’s Spirit helped me lead a girl to salvation in Christ.

Flower Girl Receives Salvation through Christ

I went to the flower shop at our local Hy-Vee store to buy flowers for my wife. After selecting a beautiful pink rose, I came to the counter to pay. The young attendant was helpful. Since she was not busy with other customers, I asked her, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?”

[BTW, the girl in the photo is not the actual girl that received Christ. It’s a good picture from Unsplash and I would give credit if I had not lost she proper info.]

“My mother attends mass every week,” she replied. Instantly I knew she personally had no real connection with the Savior. She added that occasionally she attended with her mom.

“That’s great!” I answered. “Then you may have heard that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again from the dead.” She nodded, but made no reply.

My answer surprised me. In the past I had never known what to say to Roman Catholics. I knew some were saved and some not, as in every denomination. For some reason I had always been stymied in trying to witness to Catholics. With my answer this time, I sensed the Holy Spirit was present and leading me. He was teaching me and giving me a word of wisdom to help the flower girl.

I continued with fresh enthusiasm. “This is the good news. Jesus died for our sins, rose from death, and is offering us a free gift—eternal life.” She kept focusing on what I was saying.

Right then another employee came, heard us talking, and interrupted. I didn’t know what to do, so I asked him the same question, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” He answered affirmatively, then poured cold water on the conversation by saying, “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it!” I was so riled I could have wrung his neck. Fortunately, he left the area and went on his way leaving me alone at the counter with the flower girl.

You can be certain I prayed fervently for no more interruptions!

“I have really great news for you. Jesus Christ died for our sins. He rose again from the dead. He has a free gift of salvation for all who receive Him by faith. Does this make sense to you?” She wasn’t sure. It seemed like new thoughts to her.

So I continued. “It’s not how good or bad we are. It’s a free gift which we can receive in childlike trust. He’s offering it to you right now. Would you like to receive Jesus and His free gift into your heart?”

She nodded affirmatively this time and said, “Yes.”

“Then go ahead and ask Jesus into your heart right here. No one will know what you are doing,” I informed her. She bowed her head and prayed there at the counter. (For my part, I prayed for all I was worth that no customers would come right then. None came!)

After prayer the flower girl lifted her eyes and smiled with the most beautiful radiance that the world can ever hope to see. It’s the radiance of a newborn babe in Christ that only those who have led another to faith in the Savior have the privilege to see. I prayed aloud and asked God to seal and anchor the eternal work God had done in her life.

I left her with her newly acquired radiance, took the flowers for my wife, and went on my way rejoicing.