Two years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine my life as it is today. It has changed so dramatically. I can now look back and see the many blessings of God over those two years. The isolation caused by COVID-19 allowed me to spend a lot of time with my husband, Dick—my soulmate. As his health deteriorated, I was enabled by the Holy Spirit to take care of him. Today, I feel I have been transformed into a different person with a new purpose in life.

In our February Memory verse, Samuel—the last of Israel’s Judges—is giving Saul a message from God. “The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” 1 Samuel 10:6. Israel was a group of loosely related tribes, but because of their warring neighbors, they now wanted a leader, a king who would go out and fight their battles. Up until this time, God Himself had been the King of Israel.

The Spirit of the Lord visited many people in the Old Testament. In some cases, the Spirit stayed with them permanently—an abiding influence—but most often it was a temporary anointing. This bestowing of the Spirit by God to an individual was for great acts according to His purpose. This empowerment was the case for many of the judges, like Samson, and this was the case for Saul.

To prophesy does not necessarily mean to predict the future; rather, in a biblical understanding, it is a message delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that accurately communicates God’s thoughts and intentions. Even nonbelievers would prophesy, like the story of Balaam in chapter 22 of Numbers.

But for us, the critical part of this Scripture is that when the Holy Spirit comes to us, we become a different person. In many ways, we become a new person. A perfect example of this happens at the Great Banquet weekend hosted by First Church. Those invited by the Spirit respond by attending and are forever changed.

Today, I am no longer a wife and caregiver to my husband. I know God has a new purpose for me, and I am waiting and praying for His new anointing. What is God’s message to you? What is He empowering you to do for the Kingdom? Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful!

by Elder Debbie Bailey