Like a Strong Wind
Suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind,
and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. —Acts 2:2
READ: Acts 2:1-4
REFLECT: I am amazed at the power of the wind. A year ago in summer, my husband and I vacationed in Prince Edward Island. Our photographs attest to how windy it was there. One day we traveled to North Cape, the wind energy research capital of Canada. As we went through the interpretive center, we learned about wind as a source of energy. We were intrigued by the many windmills at the site.
At Pentecost, God’s Spirit comes to the disciples in a sound like the rush of a violent, mighty wind. If it is hard for us to understand what the Holy Spirit is like, it helps to think of the image of that strong wind.
The Spirit of Pentecost is a great creative force that gives life and faith to us. When we are filled with God’s Spirit, we become a creative, powerful source of energy. We use the unique abilities that God’s Spirit has entrusted to each of us. When we use our gifts, we see a little of God’s creative Spirit at work in our world.
Just like the disciples, we are given power and boldness to continue the work of Jesus. God’s Spirit energizes us to share the good news of God’s kingdom with others. Like a gale of wind, God’s Spirit will do amazing things in our lives. Let’s open the windows of our house and welcome the strong wind of God’s Spirit.
—Sandi Hannigan Marr
RESPOND: Spirit of God, come upon me like a mighty gale of wind. Help me use my gifts to serve others and share your good news with boldness and courage.