Week 3: Introduction

Breakthrough as We Learn to Co-Labor With the Holy Spirit

Jesus was a shining example of what it looked like to do life in perfect union with the Father. As he went around doing God’s work, he often conflicted with cultural norms and religious laws of his time. In those moments, the concern was God’s work, not man’s limited understanding. When Jesus acted counter culturally, it was because he was acting on his Father’s behalf and in his Father’s timing. Jesus explained to the Jewish religious leaders that he only did what he saw the Father doing (John 5:19). In Jesus' final instructions prior to his ascension, Jesus commands his disciples to preach the gospel, baptize those who believe, heal the sick and cast out demons (Mark 16:17-18), normal Christian life stuff, right? Following Pentecost, the disciples learned what it meant to co-labor with the Holy Spirit. The exciting news is, this mandate did not expire with the disciples. We too get to co-labor with the Spirit to advance the Kingdom of God. Last week, we focused on surrender. Partnering with the Holy Spirit is a continuation of that posture. We lay down our lives as an offering to be used for God’s glory and to be instruments to bring about his plans on the earth. As you spend time in prayer during the third week of our fast, ask the Holy Spirit what it means and looks like to be a vessel through which he moves to accomplish the will of the Father. We are all members of the same body yet have different jobs and assignments. If you are not uncertain of how God wants you to partner with Him, ask Him to show you. If this is a challenging concept, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and walk out co-laboring with him.