I will ask the Father

In all of life's challenges, it's good to have someone around who can give us the support we need. Sometimes, they don't have to say anything but having them there is enough. A true gift to experience is a bond like this with someone you can be yourself without judgment. I encourage you to take time with the one friend who will never leave your side, no matter what. We've talked about the Holy Spirit being our best personal trainer, but today, I'd like us to talk about the Holy Spirit, our Helper, and why Jesus sent Him to us after His ascension.

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Comforter is defined as “One that gives comfort.” For example, a Paramedic may take a Psychological Trauma course to help their patients deal with intense fear, stress, and pain during certain medical situations. Paramedics are trained to show compassion and comfort to the person in need, just like the Holy Spirit comforts us in the hardest of trials and gives us peace that surpasses all understanding.  Scripture tells we have an Advocate, which means one who pleads the cause of another. 1 John 2:1 says, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”  So, when Satan comes to accuse us of how awful we are, the Holy Spirit will whisper words of love and encouragement, reminding us of God's forgiveness. The Holy Spirit acts as our Intercessor and prays, petitions, and entreats in our favor. Romans 8:26 tells us; “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 5:5 also reminds us, “Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  There is something so wonderful about someone who prays, petitions, and entreats in our favor. You will no longer see the trials Goliath-sized in comparison to your great God because now you have someone praying and asking the Father to give you victory.

Next, the Holy Spirit is our Counselor, the one who gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court. (“Counselor,” [Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary]). How many times have we gone through something, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through His word? Providing guidance, support, and assistance through our trials, because Satan will always try to degrade us and make us feel like God hasn’t done anything in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God, He is our Wonderful Counselor who has never lost a case. The Holy Spirit gives us strength (support) just like a pre-workout, energy drink, or coffee. When we are going through trials, we may feel like the battle is never-ending, so we get tired and weary, but if it were not for the strength of the Holy Spirit we would throw in the towel. He tells us in Ephesians 6:10a; "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.”  We are strong when we trust in His power by putting on the full armor of God. We cannot be overpowered by Satan’s lies and deceits when we depend on the Holy Spirit to give us supernatural strength (the power of His might).

Finally, He is our Standby, our reliable source, especially in emergencies. He is the first person we should go to in times of need; who will take us by our hand and lead us to the finish line. Our walk with the Lord is hard at times, but we are not alone! If we believe in the Father, we must love His Son Jesus and depend on His Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and show us the way to go. So, when we feel alone and think we don’t have anyone to turn to, we must always remember that we have the Holy Spirit who provides everything we need to overcome life’s challenges.

Sources

Merriam-Websters Dictionary online

Biblegateway online

Bible versions used- NKJV, KJV, AMP

John 14:16 AMP - "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever."