Embracing the Holy Spirit Amid Life's Challenges

Summary

Life is full of events and challenges that are beyond our control, but what we can always choose is our attitude and our effort. As fathers, as believers, and as people navigating the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to think we have more control than we actually do. Yet, the truth is, our real strength comes not from our own ability to manage every circumstance, but from relying on the Holy Spirit—the Advocate Jesus promised would never leave us. The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept, but a living presence who leads us into truth, gives us peace that surpasses understanding, and empowers us to face adversity with courage and hope.

Personal stories of hardship, especially through my wife Sherry’s battle with cancer, have taught me that when life turns upside down, our priorities are clarified. The things we thought mattered—success, comfort, control—are often stripped away, and we’re left with the reality that only God’s presence and peace can sustain us. Sometimes, what we think is a loss or a setback is actually God making room for new growth, just like the mimosa tree in our yard that finally bloomed when the old oaks were removed. We may not understand why certain things happen, but we can trust that God is working, even in the things we cannot control.

Traveling to India and witnessing believers who have nothing but the Holy Spirit, yet possess a faith and courage that puts many of us to shame, was a powerful reminder that the Spirit is alive and active. These brothers and sisters face persecution and even death, but their peace and joy are unshakable because they know the Advocate is with them. Their example challenges us to examine what we’re really depending on and to let go of the illusion of control.

Every one of us faces a “cancer” in our lives—whether it’s disease, loss, depression, or broken relationships. The only thing we can truly control is how we respond: our attitude, our effort, and our willingness to trust the Holy Spirit. Heaven is not just a future hope, but something we can taste now when we live in unity, surrender, and faith. No matter our past failures, the Holy Spirit is our constant companion, teaching us, reminding us of Jesus’ words, and giving us peace that the world cannot give. We are on the winning team, not because of our own strength, but because of the Advocate who lives in us.

Key Takeaways

- Attitude and Effort Are Our True Domain
While we often strive to control outcomes, the only things truly within our grasp are our attitude and our effort. When adversity strikes, these two choices shape our journey far more than circumstances themselves. Surrendering the illusion of control and focusing on how we respond is where transformation begins. [00:53]

- The Holy Spirit Is Our Living Advocate
Jesus knew life would be hard and promised the Holy Spirit as our Advocate, not just for the disciples, but for us today. The Spirit’s presence is not abstract; He is real, personal, and available, guiding us into truth and empowering us to endure and overcome. Relying on the Spirit is not a last resort, but the foundation for navigating both suffering and joy. [03:42]

- God Uses Loss to Make Room for Growth
Sometimes, what we cling to for comfort or security is actually hindering the growth God wants to bring. Like the mimosa tree that needed sunlight after the oaks were removed, God may allow losses or changes that feel painful but are necessary for new life to flourish. Trusting God’s process, even when it means letting go, opens us to unexpected blessings. [15:31]

- Peace in the Midst of Chaos Is a Gift of the Spirit
True peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of it. Whether facing a devastating diagnosis or an uncertain future, the Spirit gives a peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, but on God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. [17:12]

- Heaven Begins with Surrender and Unity in the Spirit
The unity and worship experienced among believers—whether in a cancer clinic in Cancun or among persecuted Christians in India—are glimpses of heaven on earth. When we surrender control, open our hearts, and allow the Spirit to bind us together, we experience the kind of community and hope that transcends every barrier. Our ultimate hope is secure, and the Spirit enables us to live with courage and joy, no matter what comes. [28:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Attitude and Effort: What We Can Control
[01:38] - Family and Fatherhood Reflections
[03:07] - The Holy Spirit: Our Advocate
[06:30] - Priorities and Identity Before Crisis
[09:42] - Sherry’s Diagnosis: A Shift in Perspective
[12:19] - The Mimosa Tree: Lessons on Control
[15:31] - Letting Go for Growth
[16:08] - The Call to India: Following the Spirit’s Peace
[18:55] - Witnessing the First Century Church in India
[21:28] - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Persecution
[23:54] - Returning Home: Facing New Trials
[27:06] - Hope for Cancer: Heaven on Earth
[31:38] - Trusting God’s Plan Through Every Turn
[34:23] - Sherry’s Ongoing Treatment and God’s Provision
[36:47] - Grace for Dads and the Gift of the Holy Spirit
[38:07] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Attitude, Effort, and the Power of the Holy Spirit”

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### Bible Reading

- John 14:16-17, 26-27
“And 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. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you... But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

- Philippians 4:7
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

- Romans 12:2
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to John 14:16-17, what does Jesus promise his followers, and how is the Holy Spirit described?
2. In the sermon, what were some of the things that changed for John and his family after Sherry’s diagnosis? ([09:42])
3. What happened to the mimosa tree after the oak trees were removed, and what lesson did John and Sherry learn from that? ([15:31])
4. How did the believers in India demonstrate the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives? ([18:55])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the Advocate” and says he will never leave us? What does that mean for us today? (John 14:16-17)
2. How does the peace that comes from the Holy Spirit differ from the peace the world offers? ([17:12])
3. When John says that “everyone has a cancer in their life,” what is he trying to communicate about suffering and control? ([35:01])
4. What does it look like to “let God transform you by changing the way you think” in the middle of a crisis? (Romans 12:2, [09:42])

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### Application Questions

1. John talked about attitude and effort being the only things we can truly control. Think about a current challenge in your life—how could you shift your attitude or effort in response? ([00:53])
2. Is there something in your life you’re trying to control that you might need to surrender to God, like John and Sherry had to with the mimosa tree and the oak trees? What would it look like to let go? ([15:31])
3. The believers in India had nothing but the Holy Spirit, yet their faith was strong. What are you depending on for security or comfort that might be holding you back from deeper faith? ([18:55])
4. When have you experienced peace that didn’t make sense given your circumstances? How did you recognize it as a gift from the Holy Spirit? ([17:12])
5. John said, “Everyone has a cancer in their life”—whether it’s disease, loss, depression, or broken relationships. What is your “cancer” right now, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit into that area? ([35:01])
6. Heaven is not just a future hope, but something we can taste now when we live in unity, surrender, and faith. What is one step you could take this week to build unity or surrender control in your family, friendships, or church? ([28:19])
7. John encouraged dads (and all of us) that “heaven is full of screw-ups.” How does knowing the Holy Spirit is your Advocate change the way you see your past failures or current struggles? ([36:47])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for the courage to surrender control, for the peace of the Holy Spirit in their current challenges, and for unity and hope in their families and church.

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit is Our Advocate and Guide
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our ever-present Advocate, knowing that life would be filled with challenges and adversity. The Holy Spirit is not a distant force but a living presence, leading us into truth, comforting us, and empowering us to face whatever comes our way. When we feel overwhelmed or uncertain, we can remember that we are never alone; the Advocate is with us, guiding, strengthening, and reminding us of Jesus’ words. No matter how hard the journey, the Holy Spirit is the gift that enables us to persevere and thrive. [03:42]

John 14:16-17 (ESV)
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection: When have you most needed an Advocate in your life? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you through a specific challenge you are facing right now?


Day 2: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be
Our true priorities are revealed not by what we say, but by where we invest our time, energy, and passion. It is easy to let success, work, or other pursuits become our identity, but when life’s storms hit, we are forced to re-examine what truly matters. God calls us to align our hearts with Him, to treasure what is eternal, and to let go of the things we cannot control. When our hearts are set on Christ, our attitude and effort are transformed, and we find peace even in the midst of adversity. [06:30]

Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where your priorities have drifted away from God? What practical step can you take today to realign your heart with what matters most?


Day 3: Let God Transform You by Changing the Way You Think
Adversity often forces us to confront our illusions of control and to surrender our plans to God. When we allow God to transform our minds, we begin to see our circumstances differently, trusting Him even when doors close or life takes unexpected turns. The Holy Spirit works within us to reshape our attitudes and efforts, helping us to let go of what we cannot control and to embrace the peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan. [10:24]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Think of a recent disappointment or closed door in your life. How might God be inviting you to see this situation differently and trust Him more deeply?


Day 4: The Peace of God Surpasses Understanding
When we surrender control and trust the Holy Spirit, God gives us a peace that defies logic and circumstances. This peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in the midst of it. Whether facing illness, uncertainty, or loss, the Holy Spirit’s peace steadies our hearts and minds, enabling us to move forward with courage and hope. This peace is a gift that the world cannot offer, and it is available to all who rely on God’s Spirit. [17:12]

Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need God’s peace right now? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him and trust the Holy Spirit to guard your heart and mind?


Day 5: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Be Witnesses and Overcomers
The Holy Spirit not only comforts us but also empowers us to live boldly for Christ, to witness to others, and to overcome the “cancers” in our lives—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. No matter our past mistakes or present struggles, we are invited to rely on the Spirit’s power, knowing that God has a plan and purpose for us. Our attitude and effort, surrendered to the Holy Spirit, can change lives and bring hope to others, even in the face of adversity. [38:07]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the hope and power of the Holy Spirit at work? How can you step out in faith today to be a witness or encouragement to them?

Quotes