Paint By The Numbers

This first experience of the illumination of the Holy Spirit may not profoundly change you, but it is the first step on the path to being profoundly changed. You must understand that this is only the beginning and that the Holy Spirit has much, much more for you. You must determine in your heart to listen the next time He speaks. When that happens you will write it down and think about it. You will look up some Scriptures that relate to it. And you will ask the Holy Spirit to make it real to you.

Have you ever done a “paint by the numbers” painting? You have this piece of cardboard with all of these shapes drawn on it. Inside of every shape there is a number. Each number corresponds to a certain color of paint. You can’t really tell what the picture is supposed to look like when you are done unless you look at the photo on the box. All of the shapes drawn on the cardboard look like a confused mishmash. Until you begin to fill in the spaces with the correct color of paint. And as you do this, a beautiful picture begins to emerge.

This is very much like what the Holy Spirit wants to do in your heart. He wants to show you a little bit about God. Then a little bit more. Then a little bit more. And the more you see, the more deeply you are moved; and the more you fall in love.