Some time ago, while reading an incredible book titled Ever Increasing Faith, I discovered this powerful statement …
“It is impossible to overestimate the importance of being filled with the Spirit.”
~Smith Wigglesworth “Ever Increasing Faith”
True. True. True. True. (I could keep on going.) Just how important is it to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Important enough that Jesus commanded (not suggested) His followers to wait in Jerusalem for the promised gift from heaven. (Acts 1:4) Important enough that Jesus didn’t offer a back-up plan for those with busy schedules and conflicting calendars that would keep them from waiting in Jerusalem. Important enough that all preaching and teaching would come to a complete stop and everything would have to be placed on hold until these believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. Evidently, being filled with the Holy Spirit was important to Jesus.
But, wait, it doesn’t end with Jesus’s command. If that wasn’t enough (and it should be), the apostle Paul weighed in on this subject. The apostle who wrote over half of the New Testament commanded, “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18). I challenge you to pull out your Bible, turn to this verse, and note that there is no asterisk following this statement to indicate that there could be some extenuating circumstances that might limit the scope of Paul’s command. Paul was showing that it is important for every believer to be filled with the Spirit.
But, really? Immeasurably, incalculably important? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. (I could keep on going.) YES because this indwelling Comforter (John 14 – 16) is vital to our fulfilling the Father’s plans and purposes. YES because the Comforter (the Amplified Bible expands His name to include Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) is to be exactly what is needed right when it is needed. Wigglesworth was spot on. We truly can’t “overestimate the importance of being filled with the Spirit”.
If you haven’t been filled with the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father is ready and willing to give you this gift right now. Take a minute to read Luke 11:13 and you will find that this gift is yours for the asking! If you have any questions about this, please email me at [email protected].
