Chocolate Milk Faith

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” 2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV

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I

once heard a pastor say faith was like chocolate milk.

 

It sounds strange, but it’s one of those statements I’ve never forgotten, and find myself mulling over from time to time.

 

So how exactly is faith like chocolate milk? Glad you asked.

 

First, imagine you are a glass of milk.

 

Ok, for some reason, milk can incite some heavy opinions, so let’s pause here a moment and remember it doesn’t matter whether you like milk or not, or whether you prefer whole, skim, almond, coconut, organic, soy, raw, or rice milk. It also doesn’t matter if you’re lactose intolerant. We’re just going to play the part of a glass of milk – no harm, controversy, or rioting necessary.

 

So … each one of us is a glass of milk. We’ve got our own flavor, we refresh, satisfy, and energize those who drink us in.

 

We’re pretty special, too. As a base for many delicious concoctions, we fill the world with variety and interest, but most of all…

 

We are the perfect vessel for chocolate syrup.

 

It doesn’t matter what kind of milk you are. When chocolate syrup is added, the seemingly ordinary becomes extraordinary!

 

Much like when the Holy Spirit enters our heart.

 

The Holy Spirit is to our soul, what chocolate syrup is to a glass of milk.

 

We’re richer, with a sweeter aroma, and deeper appearance. And those who are thirsty, want to taste it.

 

But there’s an effort we often neglect.

 

When chocolate is poured into milk, it sinks to the bottom of the glass. Without stirring, the taste and appearance of the milk doesn’t change much. Sure, it might taste a little sweeter, but it’s full deliciousness isn’t yet experienced.

 

When the Holy Spirit isn’t stirred within us, it settles to the bottom of our soul. We may respond to, believe in, and confess sweeter truths, but we will not experience the full “chocolately” power of the Holy Spirit.

 

So how do we do it? How do we stir up the Holy Spirit? Here are a few ideas:

 

Exercise faith

Declare “Jesus is Lord!” no matter your circumstances. The Holy Spirit inspires our faith by giving us courage to trust that God is in control.

 

“Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)

 

Pursue hope

Dare to hope in the unfailing love of Christ! Through sorrow or joy, the hopeful pursuit of eternity is a cause that won’t disappoint.

 

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

 

Believe you have something to offer this world

Fear is the biggest factor in ignoring the spiritual gifts the Spirit gives us. We have a hard time believing we possess any skill worthy of influence for God’s kingdom. This is a lie. Do you have a restlessness in you? It just might be the Holy Spirit trying to spur you on.

 

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

“May the God of hope fill you … so that you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

 

Stir up the Holy Spirit within you through service, an active faith, and persistent hope, and you’ll discover how pleasing, and chocolaty sweet, life can be!

 

How have you stirred up your faith? What was the result? What advice do you have for others?