The Unseen Power

Francis Bourdillon, 1873
 

The wind is blowing strong. The grain bends before it; every leaf on the tree is in motion, and even great boughs are swaying to and fro. The sea comes rolling up on the beach with a thundering sound; the boats near the shore are tossed about like toys; and the ships farther out are now almost hidden in the trough of the sea, and now lifted high on the crest of a wave. In towns, meanwhile, the wind driving down the streets and around the corners — and makes it hard work to get along; and now and then the sound of a falling tree warns the passer-by to beware.

So great is the power of the wind, in town and country, at sea and on land. Yet you cannot see the wind. You see the trees bending — but where is the hand that moves them? You watch the great waves — but what is it that raises them? You feel the force that drives you along the streets — but you can see nothing. This is a most wonderful thing about the wind: that though its power is so great, it is unseen. you can see nothing.

But there is a power that is greater still — and yet, like the wind, is unseen. It moves not trees or ships, but hearts. Many a proud heart bends under it. Many an obstinate heart does it turn. Many a hard heart does it soften. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. You cannot see the Spirit any more than you can see the wind — but you can see what the Spirit does.

What has made that rough man so different? He used to be so wicked in his words and ways that decent people were afraid of him, and even his companions would call him "a wicked man." Now see him. He is a changed man. His very look is different. He has left off spending his earnings at the ale house, and is now never heard to swear; he goes to the house of God, reads the Bible, prays in secret, loves his Savior; he has got a new name among his mates; they call him "Holy Jack" now. What has made such a change? It is the work of the Holy Spirit. Nobody saw anyone at work with him — yet a mighty power was acting upon him within, and this is the effect. His heart is changed.

This is no new thing. It is just what our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of to Nicodemus: "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8).

Reader, you have often seen grain bending and trees rocking and felt the wind blowing on your cheek — but have you ever felt the power of the Spirit in your heart? Have you been brought to repentance and to Christ? Are you born again? Are you living to God?

There is a promise of our Savior that God will give His Holy Spirit in answer to prayer. "If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children —  then how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" Ask Him to give the Holy Spirit to you.