Experiencing Technical Difficulties

     As of this past weekend, we lost our internet connection.  Calling our provider produced little help because they felt the issue was our modem.  Of course, the new modem we need will have to be ordered and may arrive on Wednesday.  Until then, I am limited to my smartphone.  Needless to say, this makes typing a devotion a little more challenging.  Having grown up in the early TV era, we would refer to this as having technical difficulties as programs frequently lost their signal.  For a brief time we would see a sign informing us of problems.  Sure enough, it was not long till the program came back on the air.  I found myself grateful for the work of the technicians behind the scenes.
     Fortunately, God has provided a Helper for us who dwells and lives in the life of every believer
not  just when we experience trouble but at all times.  The blessed Holy Spirit was sent to teach us, guide us into all truth and comfort us in times of need.  Furthermore, He is the one who points out and convicts us of our sin.  Throughout the book of John, Jesus refers the work of the Holy Spirit:  "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, who will abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him.  You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17).   Now that is better than any repair technician!
     Later in this same passage, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will not only reveal truth to us but will also help us remember it as well.  Verse 26 reads:  "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."  What comforting words to hear!  Even in the most difficult situations the Holy Spirit comes through to us.
      A great example comes to mind in a recent visitation to a nursing home patient.  This gentleman spent his life on the mission field and faithfully served the Lord.  Now he is advanced in age and suffering with dementia.  My visitation partner and I found him sitting at a table in the lounge area.  We asked him if we could pray with him and he seemed delighted.  He bowed his head as we offered up prayers on his behalf.  When we had finished, we asked if we could return and pray with him again in the future to which he heartily said "Amen!"  The visit was such a blessing.  We may have technical difficulties when it comes to our memory in later years but the Holy Spirit can bring to our remembrance the things of the Lord.
      In addition to being our truth giver, teacher and guide, the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin also comforts us when we repent.  Most of us are familiar with I John 1:9:  " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness."  When we acknowledge our wrong doing, the Holy Spirit comforts and keeps us in His path.  Likewise, He provides us with the strength to carry on during hard times as well.  I have lost many loved ones over the years and probably none harder than our grandson.  Yet through it all, God the Holy Spirit was there to hold us and wipe away the tears.  He truly is a Comforter to our hearts.
     Quite often, I believe we forget the precious ministry of the Holy Spirit or take for granted His work in our lives to conform us to Christ likeness.  It is He who gives the gifts and produces the fruit in our lives.  If it were not for His presence, we would falter in our walk each day.  By His power, we can overcome the temptations, pitfalls and technical difficulties we face.  Let us not forget to praise and thank the Lord who gave us the gift of His Spirit that we might live each day for Him.  My internet may be down, but for the believer, we will never lose our connection because of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Selah!