Follow the Wind
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)
Warm cup of coffee in hand, Bible and journal in my lap, I greet another new day. However, today’s view is a bit different. Rather than my usual wooded scenery, I sit on a warm balcony overlooking the gulf. The ocean and the stunning white shores appear endless from my picturesque perch. Wave after wave crashes, and I am in awe of the sheer power. Who is this God who created such infinite beauty?
I cannot help feeling overcome by the majesty before me. But beneath the grand landscapes, something subtle speaks. There is a whisper of the Spirit that gently beckons within the wind. Have you ever truly considered the wind? It can be a gentle and leading breeze or a forceful and powerful gale. However, because it is an unseen force, it is often overlooked and sometimes even misunderstood. It can be the same with our awareness and understanding of our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom.
When Jesus explains to Nicodemus, the Pharisee, the mystery of how we must be born again of the Spirit when we come into faith, He uses the natural force of wind as an illustration.
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)
We accept that the wind exists because we can sense it. We cannot grasp the wind, but we can feel its gentle brush against our skin. We cannot see or taste it, yet fragrance is often a travel companion to a breeze. Though intangible, there is evidence that affirms the existence of the wind. And we readily accept this truth without questioning its validity.
The same should be true about the Lord, yet we struggle to believe in what is unseen when it comes to our Heavenly Father. Just like the wind, the reality of a living and active God in our lives is evident, if only we would have the eyes to see. Every day, we journey through our lives in an artistic masterpiece. Stunning vistas, impressive geological sculptures, complex beings in all of their animate and inanimate forms, nurture our bodies and souls with their beauty and provisions, allowing us to survive and thrive here on this earth. Though visible, these earthly attributes remain hidden by the busyness and noise of all that demands our attention, and the worries that consume our hearts.
It is my prayer today that we quiet our souls, lean in, and listen for that gentle whisper, that fragrant breeze. Our Heavenly Father is here, leading and guiding us down the paths He has for us.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV)
Though He may be unseen and the future foggy and uncertain, it does not mean God is absent or your steps are unplanned. May we, like Nicodemus, hear what the Spirit is saying to us. May each of us open our eyes and hearts and follow the wind today.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you struggle with putting your faith in the intangible, in things unseen? If so, can you identify what areas in particular you wrestle with? Are there other areas of faith that come more easily to you?
I would like to encourage you today to complete a simple activity. Spend some time in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal to you which areas you feel secure in faith and which areas of your heart feel mistrusting. Write your two lists down in two separate columns. Once completed, note next to each item the evidence (or lack thereof) that affects your beliefs in that area. Then, take a step back and look at your comparisons. Do you recognize any trends, or were you able to gain any insights? How can you utilize the evidence or strategies in your confidence column to help you bolster the areas where you feel weak?
I pray that you would have the ears to hear how the Lord is speaking to you through this exercise, and you can take one single step forward in faith as you follow the wind today.
Further Reading:
Hebrews 11:1-3
2 Corinthians 5:7
Have you ever struggled to trust God when you couldn’t feel Him moving? What helps you stay grounded when your faith feels more like a fog than a flame? Share your story and connect with other believers on Crosswalk FORUMS!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/BrianAJackson
To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter. If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
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