Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?
As believers, we are called to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to respond in obedience. However, when we choose to ignore or resist the leading of the Holy Spirit, we put ourselves in danger of missing out on God’s best for our lives and even falling into sin.
The times I have failed to respond to the Holy Spirit promptly and correctly were when I have suffered losses that could have been avoided.
In John 16:8, Jesus promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. When we feel convicted by the Holy Spirit, we must respond in obedience. Ignoring or resisting the prompting of the Holy Spirit can lead to a hardening of our hearts and a separation from God.
Proverbs 29:1 warns us, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” When we repeatedly choose to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we risk becoming hardened to his voice and falling into sin. This can ultimately destroy us if we do not repent and turn back to God.
Through the communications of the Holy Spirit, I have enjoyed many great victories in my life. And I am learning more and more to listen and be obedient when the Holy Spirit is prompting me to do something or not to do something.
James 4:17, we are reminded that “if anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is a sin for them.” When we feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something good or to refrain from doing something sinful, but we choose to ignore that prompting, we are committing sin. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as a further hardening of our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Additionally, when we choose not to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we miss out on the blessings and opportunities that God has for us. In Ephesians 2:10, we are told that we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” When we choose to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we miss out on the good works that God has prepared for us and the blessings that come with being obedient to his will.
In conclusion, ignoring or resisting the prompting of the Holy Spirit can lead to a hardening of our hearts, a separation from God, and even falling into sin. We should always strive to respond in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. By doing so, we will experience the blessings and opportunities God has prepared for us and draw closer to him in our walk of faith.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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