So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”
Genesis 41:38 NIV
Pharaoh saw it in Joseph, Moses instilled it in Joshua, and God bestowed it upon David. What is this elusive yet crucial element that elevates an individual to become a vessel of God’s purpose? It is the Spirit of God, the driving force behind every impactful leader in history. The Spirit of God is essential for any successful ministry in God’s kingdom. No matter how talented or intelligent, without the Spirit’s presence, no one truly flourishes in God’s service. Joshua’s success in leading the Israelites, Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, and David’s anointing as king – all hinged on this divine element.
Even in the secular world, whenever God plans to do something supernatural, He works through an ordinary person who has the Spirit of God. Pharaoh recognised this when he appointed Joseph as the second-in-command in Egypt. He acknowledged that Joseph had the Spirit of God, which enabled him to interpret his dream. So, he believed that to be the greatest source wisdom needed to manage the affairs of a nation.
Joshua also needed the Spirit of God to succeed in his ministry as the leader of the Israelites. He had to lead them into the promised land and divide the land among them. God instructed Moses to impart the Spirit to Joshua through the laying on of hands. As a result, the Israelites obeyed him and followed the Lord’s commands.
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So, the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.
Deuteronomy 34:9 NIV
David was another example of a man who had the Spirit of God upon him. God chose him to be the king of Israel and anointed him with oil. God ensured the Spirit’s presence preceded his reign.
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” So, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
1 Samuel 16:1, 13 NIV
David also used his musical skills to serve Saul, who was tormented by an evil spirit. This divine anointing empowered David’s entry into Saul’s service. One of Saul’s servants recognized this divine connection, attesting: “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” (1 Samuel 16:18 NIV)
There are many other examples of people who had the Spirit of God in them and did great things for God. Othniel, the first judge of Israel, defeated the king of Aram by the power of the Spirit. Daniel also had the Spirit of God in him and interpreted the dreams and visions. The disciples of Jesus likewise were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and preached the gospel with boldness.
These examples show us that the Spirit of God is the key to a successful ministry. Without the Spirit, we cannot do anything for God or His kingdom. The Spirit grants wisdom, empowers boldness, and fuels the fire of righteousness. It grants musicians like David the ability to soothe a troubled king’s soul and guides judges like Othniel to victory in battle. It’s the very essence of what makes one “useful in the hands of God.” Therefore, we need the Spirit to give us wisdom, power, courage, and guidance. We need the Spirit to teach us, inspire us, and transform us. We also need the Spirit to help us fulfil our calling and purpose.
If the early church required that even the men who distributed food should be full of the Spirit, how much more do we need the Spirit for our ministries today? Whether we are teachers, preachers, singers, writers, or any other kind of servant, we need the Spirit of God to equip us and empower us.
The Spirit of God is the most precious gift that God has given us. He is our Helper, Comforter, Teacher, and Guide. He is our source of life, power, and joy. Likewise, He is our seal, guarantee, and deposit of our inheritance. He is the Spirit of truth, grace, and holiness.
Therefore, let us seek the Spirit of God with all our hearts. Let us receive the Spirit of God with gratitude and faith. Let us live by the Spirit with obedience and surrender. Finally, let us minister by the Spirit with passion and purpose.