Another Helper
By Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever." John 14:16
Orphaned at age seven and then adopted by a cruel distant cousin, Jane had often known deep distress in her life but rarely experienced the rescue of a helper. When her husband abandoned her with three young children, she naturally assumed that she would walk alone through this crisis. Like many of us, Jane, who was a Christian, failed to recognize the powerful Helper she had dwelling within her—the Holy Spirit.
Although we can’t see this “other Helper,” the Holy Spirit works mightily in us at all times and offers profound comfort in our times of need. Consider what Scripture tells us about the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called the “Helper,” was sent by God the Father and Jesus the Son to be our advocate, comforter, counselor, and friend. The Holy Spirit, our Helper, plays many roles in our lives as Christians.
Our Helper gives us new life in Christ (John 3:5-6; Ephesians 2:1): Our sin had killed our souls (Ephesians 2:1). The Holy Spirit enlivened us in our spiritual death, giving birth to our new life in Christ.
Our Helper assures us that we are no longer orphans (Galatians 4:6): We are prone to forget the riches and resources we have as the children of God. In our hearts, the Holy Spirit cries out, “Abba, Father,” reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.
Our Helper acts as the real presence of Christ in us at all times (John 14:16-17): The Holy Spirit is the actual presence of Christ in us, not just the sense of his presence. With Christ in us through the Spirit, nothing in this world can defeat us—not divorce, not disease, not even death, for Christ has overcome all the world’s tribulations (Romans 8:35-39).
Our Helper comforts and counsels us (John 16:13): The Holy Spirit “(guides us) into all the truth” (John 16:13), helping us understand the Scriptures, reminding us of how God has rescued and redeemed in Jesus Christ, and giving us wisdom beyond human understanding. Such wonderful counsel deeply comforts us in the chaos and confusion of crisis.
Our Helper intercedes for us (Romans 8:26): The Holy Spirit knows precisely how to pray for us, supplying the words we need and praying according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).
Our Helper transforms us (2 Corinthians 3:17-18): The Holy Spirit dwells in us, pointing us constantly to the glory of Jesus, and in doing so, transforms us into his “glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).
Dear friends, in this season of crisis, take comfort—you are not alone. Jesus has given you a most wonderful Helper, Counselor, Guide, Advocate, and Comforter, to help you in the healing process.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank You that You did not leave us alone but sent the perfect Helper. May we fully access the depths of the comfort the Spirit brings, the assurance that we are Your children, the hope of Your presence in us, the wise counsel and intercession, and best of all the transforming work that makes us more and more like You. Amen.
More free resources for help, hope, and healing:
Ask Dr. Betters is a topical video series of over 425 videos that have reached over 1 1/2 million views. Dr. Chuck F. Betters answers questions submitted by the listening audience on suffering and the sovereignty of God. It is MARKINC's hope that Dr. Betters answers will reinforce that God is good and worthy of our trust even when life is difficult and when we struggle to understand Him. You can learn more or subscribe by clicking here: Ask Dr. Betters
About the Author: Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage, MA, MEd, author, life and legacy coach, and speaker, helps people live, create, and organize their practical and spiritual legacies (www.elizabethturnage.com). Elizabeth co-leads the workshop, Organizing Your Life and Legacy, and has written From Recovery to Restoration: 60 Meditations for Finding Peace & Hope in Crisis and The Waiting Room: 60 Meditations for Finding Peace & Hope in a Health Crisis. Elizabeth and her husband, Kip Turnage, enjoy feasting and sharing good stories with their large family of four adult children, three children-in-law, and three grandbabies born this year. They are also the devoted “parents” of the beloved Rosie, a dog who thinks she’s a human.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Friday, 09 February 2024.
SHARE
