Scared of the Spirit
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
In 9th grade, I was introduced to a Charismatic Church. Previously, I was aware of the distinctiveness between Roman Catholics and Protestants but was blissfully unaware of those who spoke in tongues or believed in the immediate healing of the Spirit. Our Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota, visited the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for a week of portages and spiritual opportunities. We were in the lodge with a group on the first night of the trip, leaving for home the following day. They were a Charismatic Church. Spontaneously, the two youth directors brought the two groups together for an evening prayer service.
We read scripture, and everything felt normal, and then the other group of adolescents and their leaders started praying. They raised their hands and started swaying. It's a lot different, but still not scary. Then, they started talking in what our adolescent minds called “gobbledygook.” Some started crying, while others began talking and then screaming. They prayed for healing from demonic elements. All I remember after that was looking at our leader with a panicked expression and trying to get out of there as quickly as possible. I thought, if that is being filled with the Holy Spirit, I want none of it!
The Presbyterian perspective and approach to the Holy Spirit and suffering fundamentally differ from that of our spiritually aggressive brothers and sisters. In Reformed Spirituality, theologian Howard Rice informs us that John “Calvin called bearing the cross a central form of self-denial, and thus a necessary focus for Christian obedience.” Suffering is part of our earthly experience. We must remain careful when praying for healing that we do not unconsciously attempt to force God to bend to our will. Healing may not be part of God’s larger plan. Faith lessons are found in suffering and death, knowing that life continues in the resurrection. Pain, suffering, and death are not failures or a lack of faith but a reason to continually return to God.
Dr. Rice continues, “In contrast to the attitude of many contemporary Christians who create a sharp distinction between life before conversion and the new life in Christ that is free of doubts and troubles, the Reformed tradition insists that even the converted continue to suffer from these torments.” Baptized in infancy, God has been with me all my life. Suffering is a reality, but not our ultimate reality. The Holy Spirit guides us forward through struggles, not erasing agony. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to endure and become stronger. We do not learn endurance through avoidance. Pray not for alleviating pain and despair but for the spiritual trust to endure and overcome. Trust God’s Holy Spirit to guide you through this imperfect world and the promise of eternal joy.