The Holy Spirit's influence in our life has both constructive and destructive phases. After we become Christians, the Holy Spirit resides within us, yet we frequently deny Him access due to our outward man. It is comparable to trying to walk in a new pair of uncomfortable shoes. Due to the conflict between our outer and inner selves, God must use whatever measures He deems necessary to dismantle any strongholds that our inner selves are powerless to overcome.
The Holy Spirit does not break the outward by giving grace to the inner man. God certainly desires that the inner man be strengthened, yet He uses exterior methods to weaken our outward man. The inward man would have difficulty accomplishing this because their natures are so dissimilar that they hardly have anything in common. Since the nature of the exterior things and that of the outer man are similar, the latter can readily affect the former. Things that are external can hurt the outer man the most. God, therefore, deals with our external man by external means.
You may recall that the Bible states that two sparrows are sold for a farthing and five sparrows are sold for two farthings (Matthew 10:29). (Lk. 12:6). The fifth sparrow is included for free, so this is unquestionably affordable. Though even the hairs on your head are numbered, "one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father;" (Matt. 10:29, 30). Every hair is numbered in addition to being counted. As a result, we can be confident that God has planned every aspect of our lives. There are no accidents.
God orders things based on His understanding of our needs and with the intention of shattering our outer man. He makes sure we experience something once, twice, or even more because He knows it will have an impact on us. Do you not comprehend that God has planned every occurrence in your life over the last five or 10 years for your education? You terribly failed to see His hand if you moaned and grumbled. If you believed that your situation was merely unlucky, you were unaware of the Holy Spirit's discipline. Keep in mind that God holds all that occurs to us in check for our highest good. God understands what is best for us even though it is probably not what we would choose. If God had not so strictly disciplined us by arranging our circumstances, where would we be today? In fact, it is this same thing that keeps us upright and on His road. How foolish it is to scoff at what the Holy Spirit has measured to them for their benefit and rebel against it in their hearts?
The Holy Spirit starts disciplining us as soon as we are saved, but He cannot function freely until our consecration is complete. The Holy Spirit is still at work to bring one under control and destroy his outward man after one has been saved but not yet been consecrated, and while he still loves himself much more than the Lord.
There comes a point where you have to accept the fact that you cannot exist just on your own. You approach God with the limited illumination you have and say: "I dedicate myself to You. I have devoted myself to Your care, life or death." This will make the Holy Spirit's work in your life stronger. Consecration is significant because it gives the Holy Spirit unhindered access to work. Therefore, do not find it weird when, after your consecration, many unanticipated things happen to you. You've informed the Lord: "Lord! Do what You think is best for my life." You have now placed your complete trust in His hands, allowing the Holy Spirit to act freely within you. You must pay close attention to the disciplinary work of the Holy Spirit if you want to fully decide to follow the Lord.
Author: Watchman Nee
Compiled and edited by: Peter O. Olutoyese
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