One of the biggest questions when it comes to the Holy Spirit is simply this: Who is in control?

We love the idea that the Holy Spirit brings transformation, healing, prophetic words, freedom and joy. But sometimes we are less comfortable with the Holy Spirit coming in the package He wants to come in! He is an interrupter. When we yield to Him, He can interrupt and disrupt our plans in the most wonderful way.

And that can confront something in us.

We may think, I don’t want to look foolish. I don’t want to be out of control. I don’t know what will happen if I really let God be God. What if He asks me to change?

For us, yielding to the Holy Spirit means being willing to let go of those fears and even some of the mindsets we have carried. Are we willing to rethink something? Are we willing to allow God to show us that there is more than what we have experienced so far?

God is a loving Father, and He wants to take us on a journey.

That word journey is important. We have seen people begin simply with curiosity: What is this? Could God really do this? Then, as they make room for the Holy Spirit, curiosity becomes encounter. They begin to recognize, This is real. We have watched people become deeply aware of the presence of God and seen lives transformed as the Holy Spirit was simply given freedom to move.

You don’t have to understand everything before you begin. Sometimes you need people around you who have gone a little further on the journey—people who can gently help you learn, observe and grow. Coaching, mentoring and discipleship can be an important part of learning how to move in the power of God.

And we need practice.

Hebrews talks about mature people having their senses trained through constant practice to distinguish good and evil. We believe God has given us spiritual senses that can be trained. We can learn to see, to feel, to listen and to recognize those little whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes it may begin with the smallest impression or word of knowledge. The question is: Will we respond in faith?

As we hear those little words and faithfully step out, the Holy Spirit finds vessels He can flow through. That is where yielding becomes so much more than simply receiving something for ourselves.

Yes, we are blessed. There is joy in His presence. There is freedom and transformation. But the Holy Spirit wants us to understand the power of God so that we can also become ministers of reconciliation, healing and transformation to other people.

We don’t want a Christianity that remains only in our heads. Good theology and sound doctrine are deeply important, but they are meant to lead us into an experiential relationship with God—to actually know and experience His presence and His glory.

So our encouragement is simple: Let Him be God.

Let go of the fear of the unknown. Be willing to rethink the mindsets that have kept you back. Find people who can help you grow. Practice listening. Respond to those little whispers in faith.

And make yourself available.

Holy Spirit, awaken our spiritual senses. Give us courage to respond to You in faith, and make us vessels through whom Your power, healing and transformation can flow.