God’s calling can stretch Christians beyond what feels comfortable. The Holy Spirit supplies the power to obey, serve and share the gospel.
Pastor Greg Laurie experienced that firsthand. Long before preaching became his life’s work, standing before an audience was hardly his ambition.
“Listen, trust me when I tell you I never aspired to be a public speaker,” Laurie said. “This was not some goal of mine, but God called me to do this.”
In his message, Laurie urged Christians to ask God for the spiritual power and gifts needed to fulfill His calling, remain responsive to the Holy Spirit and put their faith into action.
“We have the gospel and he’ll give us the power to be a witness for him,” Laurie said.
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He pointed to the transformation of Peter, who denied Jesus before boldly preaching at Pentecost. After the Holy Spirit came upon the gathered believers, Peter delivered a message that brought about 3,000 people to faith.
The same disciple who had struggled to acknowledge Jesus publicly became a courageous witness through the Spirit’s power.
God also equips His people to serve in different ways.
Near the conclusion of the message, Laurie described asking his worship leader, Ricky, for a song about receiving the Holy Spirit. Ricky began writing one on the spot.
“He’s a worship leader. He’s a songwriter. God’s given him that gift,” Laurie said. “Hasn’t given me that gift.”
Preaching and songwriting illustrated distinct ways to honor God and minister to others. Laurie encouraged Christians to seek the gifts needed to glorify the Lord.
That requires a willingness to follow His direction.
Laurie warned that Christians can quench the Spirit by refusing His prompting to share the gospel, pray or spend time in Scripture. Bitterness, rage, slander and unforgiveness also grieve Him.
He urged believers to cultivate a deeper love for Jesus and strengthen their faith through Bible reading, prayer and consistent church attendance.
“The best way to not go backwards is to go forward in the Spirit,” Laurie said.
Drawing from Ephesians 5:18, he emphasized the need for an ongoing filling of the Holy Spirit. That filling should shape every part of life, including thoughts, relationships and daily decisions.
“We need to be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit,” Laurie said.
He also explained that receiving the Spirit’s filling does not always bring a strong emotional experience. Christians can ask God to fill them and trust Him as they move forward in obedience.
Ask God to equip you. Respond to His leading. Use the gifts He provides to serve others and proclaim Jesus.
“Now God has given us that power and now we need to use it,” Laurie said.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
