"Letters From Your Future Spouse (Part 4)" - A New Series by David Skidmore

One thing I have noticed is that I try to follow God on my own power. This is something that I want to be different in my life. I want to live in the Holy Spirit’s power. When talking about the Holy Spirit’s power, we’re not talking about a moment of excitement and passion for God. I am talking about the Holy Spirit’s power working in me, changing me over a long period of time so that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is in my life. Galatians 5:22-23 says the fruit of the Spirit is, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” When I encounter people who are filled with the fruit of the Spirit, I love to be around them. Don’t you? I believe a life that does not quench the Spirit, but instead invites the Spirit to take control will be a blessing to my future spouse. I wrote this letter to myself as if I was my future spouse. This letter is about making choices now to encourage me to invite the Holy Spirit’s work into my life.

Dear Love,

 Today, I was thinking about the way the Holy Spirit is evident in your life. I wanted to thank you for working so hard to rest in the Spirit’s work in you. It is really difficult today to attune our minds to the work of the Spirit. The world is so busy and noisy. There is a temptation to believe we can follow Jesus out of our own strength, but you choose to walk in the Spirit’s power. Thank you for admitting those words to God, “I can’t, but you can.” I know those words were tough to get out, but it shows the heart you have for surrendering all you are to our Lord.  

 You have created space in your schedule to ask God for more of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. You fasted to know the Spirit’s power even more. You sat in silence so you could hear the voice of God. You read your Bible so that the Sword of the Spirit can judge your heart, and you come before the Lord in honesty and submission. 

 Now, the Spirit is evident in your life. You are growing in kindness. You are so patient with me. When you’re around I feel more peaceful. I think other people feel the same. You are gentle, faithful, and you live a self-controlled life. This makes our home a place of faith, hope, and love. It is easy to walk with someone who rests in the work of God like you do. 

 With all my heart.

This weekend, would you take the time to write yourself a letter from your future spouse about you living a Spirit filled life from this day forward? If you are a Christ-follower, you have the Holy Spirit. Since you do have the Holy Spirit, don’t you want the power of the Holy Spirit to be in you? Don’t you want the fruit of the Holy Spirit to be present in your life? As we submit to the Holy Spirit, we will be changed by the Holy Spirit to be like Jesus.

 David Skidmore