By Dannah Gresh, Shani McKenzie, and Janet Mylin
Corrie ten Boom once told a story about a woodpecker who struck a tree with its beak at the exact moment a lightning bolt hit it. The woodpecker exclaimed, “How powerful am I!” Sometimes, we forget where our power truly comes from—the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual growth, but the concept can feel confusing, especially for our daughters. Who is He? What does He do? When does He begin to work in our lives? These are big questions, but they’re worth exploring together. Here are some thoughts that may help you communicate with your girl.
WHO is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is one person of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He’s the one who speaks to our hearts, helping us recognize our sin and our need for Jesus. (John 16:8-11) Without the Spirit, there is no spiritual birth or growth. So, if your daughter knows Jesus as her Savior, she’s already experienced the Spirit’s prompting. Ask her to recall a time when she felt Him guiding her. If she doesn’t yet know Christ, pray for the Spirit to work in her heart and open her eyes to the truth.
WHAT does the Holy Spirit equip us to do?
The Holy Spirit equips us in countless ways. For example:
- He comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3).
- He teaches us about God and illuminates His Word (John 14:16).
- He changes us to be more like Jesus, producing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and more (Gal. 5:22-23).
Most importantly, the Spirit gives us the power to share the gospel. Consider this:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.” Acts 1:8
Becoming a witness for Christ is the ultimate evidence of spiritual growth and evidence of the Spirit.
WHEN does the Holy Spirit begin to help?
The Holy Spirit begins His work when we repent of our sin and accept Jesus’ forgiveness. Once again, the Bible says the Spirit convicts us of sin, and that conviction is the starting point of our spiritual lives. When we repent, the Spirit fills us and helps us obey God daily (Phil. 2:13). If your daughter struggles with obedience, this may be a sign she’s resisting the Spirit’s leading—something to pray about. If she’s quick to repent, celebrate that! It’s a sign the Spirit is at work in her life.
How Are You Experiencing the Holy Spirit?
As moms, we play a key role in introducing our daughters to the Holy Spirit, but we also need to experience Him ourselves. How is the Spirit guiding, comforting, and transforming you in this season of motherhood?
The Holy Spirit isn’t just powerful—He’s essential for spiritual growth. Let’s lean into His presence in our own lives and teach our daughters to do the same. When they know who He is, what He equips us to do, and when He begins His work, they’ll be ready to grow in Him.
