James 4:7

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

Simply put, we are to walk in total submission to the Holy Spirit, just as Christ walked in constant, absolute submission to the Father.

Jesus testified, “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise” (John 5:19). “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me” (5:30). “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me…I live because of the Father” (6:38, 57).

How can we possibly think we don’t have to depend on the Father for all things when Christ himself said he did? As lovers and followers of Jesus, do we dare think we can do what our Savior and Lord couldn’t do? Jesus waited on the Father, always seeking to have the mind of God.

If we’re honest, we’ll admit that heaven is often the last place we turn when we need direction. Most often, we run to counselors, or spend hours on the phone with friends, seeking advice: “What do you think? Is it a good idea for me to go in this direction? Do you think I should do it?” Sadly, we go to the Holy Spirit as our last option, if we go to him at all.