DIVINE HELPER

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.
He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him.
But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.
John 14:16-18 

How many times have you wished you had a few extra helpers to control the campers at the cabin, or a few extra hands to get the dishes done quicker, or a few extra eyes to manage the games at the pool?

Sometimes the tasks just seem too big for us. 

In a much bigger way, so is the Christian life. But God doesn’t intend for you to trudge on in your own strength. The source of power and help is the Holy Spirit—he is your divine helper today. 

Today’s passage contains a promise that Jesus made specifically to his disciples. He assured them that he would not abandon them like orphans after his death, resurrection, and ascension back into heaven. Instead he predicted that he would send the Holy Spirit to help, comfort, strengthen, and empower them to live as faithful witnesses to the gospel. It was fulfilled specifically on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). 

Today we cannot experience face to face conversation with Jesus, nor can we repeat the Pentecost experience. But we do receive the ongoing benefit of this promise. The divine helper was given to abide with believers forever. And this is exactly what is needed today at camp and throughout your life. 

Your strength is going to run out.

Your wisdom only goes so far. It will feel like way more than you can handle. Many times you will be aware of a big gap between your ability and the tasks in front of you. But the Spirit dwells within all believers assuring you that Christ has not left you orphaned. He loves to sustain those who call upon him and rely upon him. The divine helper will cause you to bear the fruit of the Spirit in a way that would not naturally be possible given the circumstances you will face today. 

The need is great. Sin is present. But the strength of the Spirit is greater.