1 Samuel 9-12: Have you ever experienced the difference that being filled with the Spirit makes? In today’s reading we see a great picture of that difference. Saul was an ordinary young man on a mission looking for his father’s donkeys when he encountered Samuel. Samuel informed Saul that God had chosen him and that within a few hours he would be filled with the spirit and prophecy with the other prophets. Samuel’s words came true as Saul worshiped and joined the other prophets. He was so transformed that people could not believe it was him. Then when the need arose he led Israel’s army against the Ammonites. His skills as a leader and even his willingness to lead was a complete departure from the young man who hid in the luggage when appointed as king. God’s spirit filled this ordinary man and his confidence as a leader grew as God filled him.

How about you? When God’s spirit fills us we are able to do much greater things than we ever thought possible. We are still ourselves, but God’s power gives us boldness, leadership ability, wisdom beyond our own capacity, guidance and knowledge, even the right words to say at the right time. If you are a believer, the Bible tells us that His Spirit came into us the day we accepted Jesus as Lord. Now the challenge is to allow Him to fill you and lead you in His way. Hold on! The ride could be a great adventure. Pray for His will to open the doors in your life He desires and give you the boldness to walk through. When He uses you in mighty ways, don’t be surprised. You are not living and working in your own strength, but in the power of the Spirit who is within you.