by Shannon Caughey

Sometimes sports teams use ice-breaker questions to get team members thinking and talking. Here’s one I’ve heard: “If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?” Lots of superpowers are highlighted: speed, strength, invisibility, etc. Often the “why” given for the superpower chosen is, “So I could really excel in my sport.”

When you trust and follow Christ, did you know you are given a “superpower” that enables you to excel spiritually? In this series of devotions, we’re considering how we can grow in our relationship with the Lord—especially if we’ve been spiritually dormant or stagnant recently. There are foundational practices we can and should pursue. In all of this, though, we can’t just do it on our own. We must draw upon the grace and power of Jesus. He gives us the superpower we need to grow in becoming who God created us to be.

How can we access this superpower? Jesus promised to always be with us, even though he’s no longer physically present on earth. How is this possible? Through another promise Jesus makes to all who trust and follow him: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth” (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit, who is also called “the Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9), dwells within us from the moment we surrender our lives in faith to Jesus.

The Spirit’s work is to teach us about Christ and draw us closer to Christ (Jn. 14:26, 15:26). The Spirit empowers us to live for Christ (Eph. 3:16-17). The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us as we pray (Rom. 8:26). The Spirit guides us and enables us to desire what Jesus wants rather than continuing to sin (Gal. 5:16-17). The Spirit produces the fruit of the character of Christ in us (Gal. 5:22-23). Through the Spirit’s work, we experience more and more of the peace, joy, and hope we have in Christ (Rom. 15:13).

If you’ve placed your faith in Christ, you’ve been given the Spirit of Christ to dwell within you. Because you have the Spirit, you have full access to the power and grace of Christ. The Spirit is the “superpower” you need so you can do what you cannot do on your own: keep growing and maturing in living for Christ and coaching for Christ.

What’s your role? Draw upon this help you need. Prayerfully ask the Lord to make you more aware of the Spirit’s work in and through your life. Daily express your desire to respond to the Spirit’s leading and lean into the Spirit’s empowering. The Spirit will not force you to do anything—but he’s always ready to fill you, guide you, and enable you to trust and follow Jesus as you’re willing. Through the Spirit’s help, you really can excel spiritually and know the joy of glorifying Christ as you coach and live for him.

For reflection: Take a moment to thank Jesus for giving you his Spirit. Express your desire to respond to the Spirit’s work and draw upon his help.