The Holy Spirit’s Work Through You by Cookie Puno

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:1-5 NIV

The gospel of John shares here how Jesus heals a man born blind. We find out later in John 9:32 that such healing has never happened before. This man didn’t have an accident that caused injury to himself, nor was he sick of something that caused him to lose his sight. If you think about it, it seems that he was stuck with this condition — from the beginning of his life until the very moment of encounter. That was his lot in life. But Jesus can reverse even the worst of situations. In fact, there was no previous situation to revert to because the man was born blind. And yet, Jesus with His mighty power showed He can truly do something out of nothing. Impossible is truly nothing to Him and His mighty power. Jesus says this of the situation:

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Hallelujah! Despite the worst of situations, God’s power will be displayed. The Holy Spirit continues to do His amazing work today! Isn’t that comforting?

The original Greek word used for “works” is ergon “ἔργον”, which means a work or worker who accomplishes something. It is a deed or action carrying out and completing an inner desire, intention, and purpose.

The Holy Spirit’s Amazing Work will PREVAIL for us!

The situation of this man born blind can very well echo our situation today. We cannot control what is happening, even if we try. We try to make sense of things but it is difficult. Why would God allow this man to be cursed with blindness since birth? Why would God allow such world events to wreak havoc in our lives today? Why, why, why? Jesus gives us a powerful insight in our passage today. 

v3-5 Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. (MSG)

In desperate situations, let us not look for someone to blame. Instead, let’s look for what God can do! He continues to perform His powerful work. Even in times when it is most difficult, the Holy Spirit continues to do His work because He wants Jesus to be known. In our account in John 9, the blind man came to know Jesus as Lord and Messiah. In verse 38, we see the no longer blind man worship Jesus. In desperate situations like today, don’t look for someone to blame. Instead, look for what God can do. He is still working!

But that’s not the best part. Let’s look at the next verse…  

4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me…(NIV)

Jesus talks about God’s mighty power and how he can display this. But in verse 4, Jesus says “WE must do the works of Him who sent me.” In this display of God’s miraculous and supernatural power, Jesus includes US!

The Holy Spirit’s Awesome Work is a PARTNERSHIP with us!

When He said this, Jesus was talking about the disciples. Even during that time, Jesus included His followers in the work showing God’s mighty power so that people can have faith in Christ. And today, this verse continues to speak to us as you and I are included in the “we” that Jesus was talking about. How wonderful to know that Jesus wants us to work with Him. He includes and involves us in this powerful work of displaying God’s power. 

This partnership with God means only one thing, we are meant to be supernatural! We cannot be God’s partners and not be supernatural. How could it be any other way when the one we are in partnership with is the source of supernatural power?! In other words, you and I are bearers of God’s supernatural power on earth to be used for His wonderful purposes. You and I become agents of change and transformation even in the darkest, most desperate times of our lives. You and I are partners of the Holy Spirit in doing His awesome work.

For us in our organization called Life-Growth Christian Network Inc. (LGI), I saw this happen during the pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, with lockdowns enforced, we were given the privilege to launch our Online Study Group (OSG) program. We empowered 72 volunteers, whom we called OSG Teachers to share God’s revelations and kingdom teaching to people from different parts of the world using our small group materials for free. These 72 were our students, prayer leaders, and ministry volunteers. At a time when the physical doors of churches were closed, the gospel continued to reach many homes through online study groups. Each of the 72 OSG teachers were the Holy Spirit’s partner in showing God’s mighty and awesome work. They were the Holy Spirit’s partners in sharing hope at a time of desperation, forming communities during a time of isolation, and providing stability through His Word at a time of disruption.  OSG Teachers did not only teach but released prophetic words — words that went beyond encouragement touching the hearts of people and bringing life even to dead and dying situations. We were able to impact over 1,000 people in the Philippines and beyond through these OSGs. Praise God!

5 As long as I am with you my life is the light that pierces the world’s darkness.” (TPT)

The Holy Spirit’s supernatural work can PIERCE the darkness through us!

What a privilege it is to be a partner of the Holy Spirit in His supernatural work! And how wonderful and amazing it is to know that we — even in the comfort of our homes, behind our phones and computers — can pierce the world’s darkness when we pray! Some people may look down on prayer, but for me, it is a powerful supernatural weapon making an impact far beyond what I can ever imagine myself doing. Prayer can exponentially empower weak and sometimes unintelligent words that we think and speak to impact the seats of governments, institutions, nations, and agencies wherever we are.

If we believe we are partners of the Holy Spirit in His supernatural work, then we can trust that every prayer that we utter in obedience to His prodding will create an impact, even beyond our lifetime. 

Brothers and sisters, we have access to a global ministry because of the Holy Spirit. Wherever you are, you can pierce the world’s darkness as you pray. Jesus Himself said so! His light is in us. His power is in us through the Holy Spirit and we can touch the far corners of the globe as we pray. 

So go ahead, Brothers and Sisters, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. OBEY what the Holy Spirit says and you’ll be surprised at what powerful impact you can have. Remember how the disciples began in the Roman province of Judea— ministering to Jews and Gentiles. They didn’t have the powerful and advanced means of transportation that we have today. They didn’t even have the internet that we have today. And yet their message and work from 2,000 years ago still impacts us today. They are proof that the Holy Spirit’s supernatural work can really impact the world. 

So let us continue to look to God in these uncertain times. The Holy Spirit’s amazing work will PREVAIL despite the toughest of times. The Holy Spirit’s awesome work is a PARTNERSHIP with us. And His supernatural work will PIERCE the darkness through us. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.