This year, 2024, in Teens Church, our theme is “The Holy Spirit, My Advantage” (John 14:16 AMPC, 1 Corinthians 2:8-10). Honestly, this theme couldn’t be more fitting because, for me, the Holy Spirit truly is the greatest gift from God since Jesus ascended to heaven. Reflecting on my life, I can say without hesitation that the Holy Spirit is not just a concept or a force but a real, living, personal presence.
It’s one thing to know about the Holy Spirit, and it’s another to truly experience Him. For me, I’ve seen His work in all dimensions—guiding, comforting, teaching, strengthening, and being there for me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s like having someone who knows you better than you know yourself, constantly helping you navigate life’s challenges.
Jesus describes the Holy Spirit so beautifully in John 14:26 (AMPC):
“But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.”
Let me break this down into real-life experiences:
1. Counselor
A counselor gives advice and wisdom, and I can boldly say the Holy Spirit has been the best counselor I’ve ever had. There have been times when I didn’t know what to do—moments when life felt confusing, or I was unsure of my next steps. Yet, when I turned to the Holy Spirit, He provided clarity. Sometimes, His advice didn’t make sense to me at first, but as I followed it, I realized it was the best decision I could have made. On the other hand, when I’ve struggled with His advice or ignored it, I’ve learned quickly that the problem was me—not Him.
2. Intercessor
This is one of the most powerful aspects of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives. Romans 8:27 says, “God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet He also understands the desires of the Spirit because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny.”
There have been moments when I couldn’t even pray—when words failed me, and all I could do was cry or sit in silence. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me in those moments gives me peace. It’s like having someone praying the exact prayer you need, even when you don’t know what that is.
3. Helper
This makes me think of the hymn: “O God, our help in ages past, our shelter from the stormy blast.” The Holy Spirit has been my constant helper. Whether it’s in small everyday tasks or big life decisions, He’s always there. I remember times when I felt completely overwhelmed—when deadlines loomed, relationships felt strained, or I was emotionally drained. In those moments, I’ve whispered a simple prayer, “Holy Spirit, help me,” and He’s always shown up.
4. Advocate
An advocate is someone who stands up for you, defends you, and represents your best interests. The Holy Spirit does exactly that. He stands before God on our behalf, reminding us of who we are in Christ and empowering us to live out that identity. He’s also our advocate against the lies of the enemy. Whenever I feel weighed down by guilt or shame, the Holy Spirit reminds me of God’s grace and forgiveness.
5. Strengthener
Life can be tough. There are times when we feel like giving up like the weight of the world is too much to bear. I’ve had those moments too, but the Holy Spirit has always been my source of strength. It’s not just physical strength—it’s emotional and spiritual strength as well. He empowers me to face challenges with confidence, to forgive when it’s hard, and to keep going when I feel like quitting.
6. Standby
I love this word—Standby. It reminds me of someone always ready, always present, and always reliable. The Holy Spirit is exactly that. He’s not distant or far away; He’s right here with me, in every moment. Whether I’m celebrating a victory or navigating a storm, He’s by my side. Even when I forget to call on Him, He’s still there, ready to step in and help.
The Holy Spirit is more than just a concept we talk about in church. He’s a real, personal presence who wants to be involved in every part of our lives. For me, He’s been a guide, a friend, a comforter, and so much more. I can’t imagine doing life without Him.
If you haven’t experienced the Holy Spirit in this way, I encourage you to invite Him into your daily life. He’s not just for “spiritual” moments—He’s there for your everyday struggles, joys, decisions, and questions. Truly, the Holy Spirit is my greatest advantage, and I am so grateful for His presence in my life.
