Clothed With Power From on High

And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:49 (ESV)

In February of 1904, the town of New Quay in Wales witnessed a remarkable outpouring of Holy Spirit. A group of people were meeting together to pray when Florrie Evans stood up and said in a quivering voice, “I am not able to say very much today, but I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart - He died for me.” After she said these words, witnesses present at the meeting say that the presence of God filled the room. The conviction of Holy Spirit fell on those present, and one after the other, people fully surrendered their lives to the Lord. The conviction through Holy Spirit led to deliverance and freedom. The overwhelming love and joy that filled their hearts didn’t go unnoticed. Word spread to other parts of Wales and eventually other parts of the world, where people experienced a powerful outpouring of Holy Spirit. The man who led many of the meetings was Evan Roberts. He had prayed for thirteen years for an outpouring of Holy Spirit that would bring conviction of sin, repentance and transformation. And this is what happened. 

Wait for Holy Spirit

Jesus prayed for His disciples, for us, that we would receive His Holy Spirit (John 14:16). Jesus gave them clear instructions to wait for the promised gift (Acts 1:4-5).  And this is exactly what happened in the upper room where the disciples were meeting together.

“Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” Acts 2:2,4 (NLT).

Holy Spirit came upon them powerfully. Those who witnessed this were astonished. They were amazed and perplexed as they heard them declaring the mighty works of God in different languages. They were amazed to hear uneducated men, like Peter, boldly declaring the gospel of repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. The power that came upon the disciples touched the hearts of those who heard the message, and about 3000 from many different cultures and world views were saved and baptised that day (Acts 2:41).

Evan Roberts prayed that God would “bend him” so that He could yield to Holy Spirit. God will empower us as we allow Him to “bend” us so that we yield to Holy Spirit. He will clothe us with His power from on high so that we can be His powerful instrument to touch our world with His eternal love and grace.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Acts 4:8

Reflect 

Will you take time to allow God to fill you with His Holy Spirit so that you can be empowered to be used by Him for His kingdom?

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for Your Holy Spirit. Help me to allow You to bend me so that I will yield to what the Holy Spirit wants to do in my life. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit so that I may be used of You for Your kingdom and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.