In Indiana the spring is traditionally windy, but the past few weeks have been exceptionally so. A recent bought of wind blew an entire patch of shingles right off our house. It organized them into a fairly neat pile in our back yard, which was generous, but prevented the shingles from doing their jobs.

What is the job of the wind? It blows. Sometimes it is gentle. Cooling the air on a hot summer day. Puffing across our skin. Teasing our hair out of its restraints. Sometimes it is strong. Drying puddles and tilled earth, corn and beans. Driving sand against bare legs. Clouds across gray skies. Sometimes it gathers together and forms funnels. Those funnels gobble up items in their path, chew them up and spit them out. Sooner or later. Near or far.

Wind soothes. Wind terrorizes.

It has been functioning in both capacities for as long as it has existed. In the Bible, wind is often used to represent the Holy Spirit. Both are invisible, yet possess incredible strength. Both contain power, often untapped. Both leave change in their wake.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.² And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2 NASB

The apostles were never the same after experiencing the wind of the Holy Spirit. It emboldened them, enlightened them, and ensured them they were operating within the will of God the Father. It reminded them of Jesus’ promise to send a helper. It reassured them He was who He said He was.

The Holy Spirit still does that today. He comes upon us and lives within us. Helping us to live according to God’s purpose for our lives. It is difficult and terrifying to surrender our wills to such a dangerous and powerful force. After all, we’re talking God. Himself. Inside us. No safe distance. No place to hide. He sees us. Completely. He knows us. Intimately. He loves us. Unconditionally.

So how have you experienced the wind of change in your life? Did it come in the form of the Holy Spirit? Did it come gently or pound at you with gale force? Did He have to break you before He could enter, or were your doors open so He could stroll inside? I’ll admit. I was a bit stubborn. He had to bend me sideways almost to the point of snapping before I would open the door and let Him blow through me.

Since then I have learned to be flexible, so I won’t come as close to destruction. More than that, I have come to value His nudges and shoves, working hard to listen for his instruction and doing the best I can to be obedient. There are times when I’d rather go the other way or turn a deaf ear, but that doesn’t keep me in the center of God’s will which is exactly where I desire to be.

So, I’ve come to terms with the Wind. I still don’t always like when He blows. I still don’t always feel safe around His power. But I have come to respect His judgement and listen for His whispers.