Blind Optimism? Or Faith?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Key points:

As an Australian, I’ve felt the pressure of a cultural identity that prides itself in scientism, mockery and false humility.

As an overly optimistic and hopeful person, I’ve been accused of being foolish and often seen as less intelligent than my sceptic counterparts.

But this is not how God has called us to live.

Yes, we can question the status quo, and weigh and test what others pose as truth.

God has called us to live in confident expectation of His goodness being revealed on earth.

However, it should never lead to hopelessness.

God has called us to live in confident expectation of His goodness being revealed on earth.

And having received His Spirit we are called to be conduits of this power.

Having received His Spirit, we are called to be conduits of this power.

Vessels that demonstrate His goodness and omnipotence.

I’ve been reflecting recently on what it would look like if I lived each day expectant of this power being evident in my life.

What would happen if each morning I woke up and thought, ‘I wonder how the Holy Spirit will work through me today?’

What if the story of my life resembled that of the first apostles?

Does that sound foolish? Blindly optimistic? Or does it sound like the way Jesus invited us to live?

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Jesus’ final words to His disciples were ones of power and purpose: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses’ (Acts 1:8).

This promise is not just for the first apostles – it is for us.

We are not called to a life of passive faith but to live expectantly, trusting that God’s kingdom is breaking through even now.

So today, let’s wake up with bold anticipation.

Let’s walk into each moment aware of His Spirit, ready to be vessels of His love, truth and transforming power.

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Devotional written by Bek Robinson

Originally published as Holy Spirit – What If?

Feature image: CanvaPro