But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 

2 Corinthians 4:7

As I reached to open my dresser drawer, I surrendered.

    I had previously made a profession of salvation but doubt lingered in my mind. Being the independent thinker that I am, I wanted to understand more than humanly possible. Once I came to the conclusion that I was entirely unable to help God with saving my soul, I simply said in my heart, “Lord, if you don’t save me then I will go to hell.” At that moment peace flooded my entire being as the Holy Spirit set up residence inside my dusty, earthy vessel. 

    We read in Luke chapter 1 of Elizabeth, who also experienced the filling of the Holy Ghost. Mary, carrying God’s Son in her womb, entered Elizabeth’s home and at that moment the babe in Elizabeth’ womb leapt as she was filled with the Holy Ghost. She spoke out with a loud voice and blessed Mary and the fruit of her womb. She honored Mary and validated her willingness to believe and conceive God’s Son. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45). 

 When I ponder on this account of two women sharing God’s miraculous work in their lives,  I see the power of women edifying women. What a blessing it must have been for Elizabeth to confirm Mary’s Immaculate Conception. She probably needed this edification in the midst of a calling that far exceeded her understanding. 

    Once I was filled with God’s spirit, I like Elizabeth, desired to verbally praise my Savior and edify other women. As long as I surrender and let God’s spirit fill me this desire is fulfilled. At times I let worldly lusts or the sin of this dusty vessel contaminate my purpose to edify other women. I pray God’s Spirit in me fills every space of this earthly vessel. Let’s consider other women; they might need us to speak encouragement from God’s Spirit who resides in us.   

WORDS OF TRUTH

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:18

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

I Thessalonians 5:11

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