I am very familiar with wind. I grew up with words like gusts and gale force and especially dread predictions of the “haboob” or wall of dust that frequents our area.
So, when I discovered that the Greek word for “spirit” includes a definition meaning “a movement of air like the wind”, I sat up and took notice.
“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
What does it look like to be “blown” by the Spirit?
It’s the total opposite to a rule-regulated life.
* We are free from the law of offending God .
* We are free from the law of being separated from Him (Romans 8:2).
But, in order to truly experience this freedom in reality and not just in theory, we must live by the Breath of God.
Spirit-Wind living is an adventurous life, where you don’t know from moment to moment what He will call you to next. You submit to Him early in the day and then begin your day, trusting that He will interrupt it when He sees best.
Of course, Jesus Himself lived this type of life. Upon returning from casting out a legion of demons, He couldn’t even get away from the seashore when “a great multitude gathered around Him” (Mark 5:21). Among that throng was a synagogue official, who interrupted Him with news of his daughter who was deathly ill (Mark 5:22-23). Plans immediately changed and Jesus was off, following Jairus home (Spirit-Wind living).
As they headed toward the sick girl, the crowds jostled Him along and one particular hemorrhaging woman saw her opportunity for a clandestine healing (Mark 5:25-27). Evidently, without saying a word, she reached out, touched his cloak and was instantly healed. But not without notice:
“Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power proceeding from HIm had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My garments?’” (Mark 5:30)
Once again, He paused – being directed by the wind of the Spirit.
As a person of great impatience, Spirit-Wind living is a great challenge for me. I like to plan out my day to the letter, so that I can maximize every waking moment. Yet, this isn’t the way of Life.
Spirit-Wind living moves through life purposely, yet without regimentation. Instead of having our goals set on personal accomplishments, the Wind-Life sets her goal on obedience to whatever she hears from Him. Rather than doing life on her own terms, she looks to Him for her accomplishments (Psalm 138:8).
It’s a little counter-intuitive, huh? But then again, isn’t everything that way in the Spirit Life?
What does Spirit-Wind living look like for you?
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