Q Dr. Graham, I’ve always had a hard time understanding the role of the Holy Spirit. How exactly does his power work in my life?
A According to the apostle Paul, the “power” that Christ told his disciples about in Acts 1:8 was the same power that brought Jesus out of the grave (Ephesians 1:19–20). The Greek word that the apostle uses—dunamis [pronounced doo-na-mis)—is the word from which we get the modern English word “dynamite.” That paints a great picture of what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. He provides explosive, dynamic power as we strive to grow in and live for Jesus.
Q I want to see the Spirit’s power come alive in my life, but I feel like I’ve failed too much to be of any use. Can the Spirit still work despite my failures?
A 1 Corinthians 1:27 teaches that God chooses to use the foolish in this world—the broken, sinful, weak—in order to shame the wise. He empowers us, he equips us, he tasks us, and he gives us great success, all for the purpose of showing himself strong. So be encouraged that God can use you no matter what you’ve done—because he renews you day by day!