The Gift You Have Not Opened

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: John 14:16-18

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

Jesus did not leave His followers without provision. He promised a Helper who would not merely visit but take up permanent residence within every believer. Yet many Christians carry this gift unopened, struggling through life as though God has left them to manage alone.

The Helper is not a concept to study from a distance but a Person to encounter up close. Consider what areas of your life you have been navigating without consciously drawing on the Holy Spirit’s presence. Today, acknowledge that the gift has already been given. The only remaining question is whether you will open it.

In what area of my life have I been relying on my own strength instead of consciously depending on the Holy Spirit?

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for living within me and for being my Helper, Comforter, and Guide. Forgive me for the times I have tried to manage life without acknowledging Your presence. Make me more aware of You today, and teach me to depend on Your strength, wisdom, and direction in every area of my life. Amen.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Faith Steps:

1. Spend five minutes in silence and ask the Holy Spirit to make His presence known to you today. 
2. Before making a decision or beginning an important task, pause and intentionally ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.