We are a forgetful people.

We forget how broken the world is in which we live. We forget how much we are loved by a good God. We forget the sinister and tantalizing nature of temptation. We forget that the enemy truly does prowl about like a lion seeking someone to devour.We forget that the biggest battle isn’t outside us but inside us.

Perhaps most regrettably, we forget that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit lives within us. His Power is as close as our breath. We have moment by moment access to Him, and He is stronger than any battle we face.

“But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” – Jesus in John 16:7.

We are tempted to think life would be better if we walked in person with Jesus’ disciples, eating with Him, watching Him heal the sick, raise the dead and feed the masses. How easy it would be to believe and follow Him. But Jesus clearly says it is better that He goes away. It is to our advantage. Because when He went away, He sent the Holy Spirit.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to comfort, to instruct, to align our hearts with His. At any moment, we may speak with Him, ask for His guidance, call on His power to overcome evil. But we forget. We try to do it on our own. We fail. And then we’re embarrassed, so we hide. We separate ourselves from God and others, escalating the failure, the shame, the hiding and creating a destructive cycle.

This is the daily battle for all Christians: Are we going to surrender to the Holy Spirit and His control or are we going to choose to run our own lives? That’s the journey we’re all on.

I love teaching the beginning Bible study with our residents and helping them to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives. My heart’s desire is that each person coming through our doors be introduced to the love and power of the gospel, that they experience the saving grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to which they have ready access.

Through your partnership, UGM provides a safe, clean-and-sober environment conducive to life change and a wealth of resources – education, job training, case management, counseling, Bible studies, medical care, recreation, parenting classes and fitness programs – but ultimately, we know it is God who does the work.

Will you join us in praying for the men and women going through Commencement this month – that they would listen to the Spirit daily and experience His power?

If you’re interested in hearing more from Phil Altmeyer, click below.