This week I was reminded of what Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, wrote many years ago.

"Approximately 95 percent of church members do not understand the person and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and as a result, live defeated, frustrated, fruitless lives."

He also reported that 98 percent of professing believers did not regularly share their faith in Christ with others.

Those figures come from surveys quoted many years ago, so I wouldn't assume they describe the Church today. But they raise an important question.

Could our lack of understanding of the Holy Spirit be one reason so many Christians find it difficult to share their faith?

This week I had two conversations about this with people taking our MyFriends training.

In one conversation, a man described something that happened when he was in Bible school. He had been reading about the ministry of the Holy Spirit and decided to put what he was learning into practice.

That evening, he went out to do street evangelism—something he didn't particularly enjoy.

But as he began talking with two young women, something surprised him. The words came naturally. He found himself explaining things he hadn't planned to say.

He realised, "The Holy Spirit made me the witness."

In another conversation, we talked about Acts 1:8, where Jesus told His disciples:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..."

We discussed the difference between trying to be a witness through our own efforts and depending on the Holy Spirit to work through us.

My friend made an observation that I particularly appreciated. He is becoming more conscious of the Holy Spirit's prompting and wants to keep his eyes open for little opportunities to care for people.

That's where witnessing often begins.

We don't have to manufacture opportunities or force conversations. The Holy Spirit is already working in the lives of people around us. Our responsibility is to remain available, to care for people, and to take the initiative as He leads.

But that raises another question.

How do we learn to depend on the Holy Spirit moment by moment?

One practical illustration that has helped me for many years is spiritual breathing.

Just as we physically breathe out and breathe in, we can spiritually:

• Exhale: Confess our sin as soon as we become aware of it, agreeing with God and thanking Him for His forgiveness.
• Inhale: Surrender control of our lives to Christ and trust the Holy Spirit to fill us with His presence and power.

You can explore this more fully in a short resource called Satisfied? — How to Walk in the Spirit.

Here's something to think about this week.

As you consider the people God has placed in your life, are you depending on your own ability to influence them, or are you trusting the Holy Spirit to work in and through you?

Why not begin each morning by asking the Lord Jesus to help you recognise and respond to the opportunities He gives you?

And when an opportunity comes, remember that you don't have to do the Holy Spirit's job.

Let me pray with you.

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we try to serve You in our own strength. Teach us to depend on Your Spirit moment by moment. Help us recognise the people You are already drawing to Yourself, and give us the courage to respond when You open opportunities to show Your love and share Your truth. Amen.

P.S. Who do you think would be encouraged by this email?  Forward it to them and let them know they can walk alongside experienced cross-cultural evangelists by visiting: https://hereslife.com/encouragement