Jubilee of the Spirit: Reflections on Hope and Transformation

by Sabella Morris-Oliver

Living in the Spirit 

Approximately three years ago, I began my journey with the Holy Spirit. After completing the Life in the Spirit seminar (LISS) with the People of Praise Community, my life completely changed. Soon after, as I began growing in the spirit, I experienced so many personal losses in my life that at one point I thought my life was doomed for long suffering.

First, it was a breakdown of communication in my sixteen-year marriage; then it was the death of my father; next the abrupt resignation of my closest confidante due to sudden illness. Following that, I was moved from my comfort zone at work. Finally, I lost my sister and her two children in a tragic house fire. All within the year. I decided to fully give my life to Christ.

Paradox of Growth and Suffering

Pretty soon, I was left wondering, ‘how is this new life synonymous with transformation and growth?’ As Christians, we sometimes tend to think we are excluded from the experience of hardships or that a life in Christ is not difficult. However, my journey with the Lord has taught me that, through the storms of life, our faith is what will carry us through.

God’s Pruning and Purpose

My life, to me, seemed fine as I lived in ignorance and sin prior to LISS.

Now, I finally understand that the moment I accepted the Holy Spirit into my life, God began the pruning process. He slowly stripped away the branches that no longer served me. My biggest realisation was that God continued to be at my side, even when I didn’t think He was. In my grief, He comforted me and my family but still reminded us that He never promised us tomorrow. I finally understood that the trials I endured in my marriage, my personal life, in my vocation and in my own family, are still all part of God’s plan to mold me into the person that He created me to be. Through the storms, He never abandoned me, and my purpose is still in His capable hands.

Surrender and Trust

Spiritual growth can be a complicated process if we allow it to be. I changed my mindset and started to ask God what He is teaching me instead of asking, ‘why me?’. I surrendered all the plans I had for my life, my expectations for others, my vocation, my past, my future and myself to Him. I can’t say the journey has been easy, but I can tell you that it has been meaningful. I know now that God prepared me for several months to face a family tragedy that most likely may have had me institutionalised or worse had I not been grounded in His Word.

During the planting season of my life, I thought the land was deserted, barren and dry but it wasn’t. More time was needed, and I thank God for His grace. The parable of the fig tree comes to mind, Luke 13: 6-9 “…leave it for one more year and I’ll dig around it and fertilise it.” Because of His infinite love and patience, I am finally able to break through some spiritual barrenness.

Living a life in the Spirit is a personal decision to live as Christ did. When you invite the Holy Spirit into your life you must make a conscious effort to let God lead, let go of control and just trust Him.

In this Jubilee year, I encourage you to not only be a pilgrim of hope but to hope in the Spirit as well. Simply trust in God’s promises and have faith in the future knowing that the Holy Spirit is working for you and for you to bring about God’s ultimate plans.

Sign up for a LISS if you haven’t already done one. Your decision to follow God’s plan for your life does not necessarily mean you will experience losses of the people and things you cherish, but it does mean that the work that God starts in you will be accomplished.