Vital Signs: Thursday, July 1, 2026

Impossible but True

“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” — John 14:25-27 (The Message)

Jesus (completely God) was asking His apostles to accept that He would be leaving, and rejoice over the gift they would receive because Jesus (completely man) would no longer be with them. I think I’d be telling Jesus that He could keep that gift and just stay here a while longer, a lot longer. But that’s not how it went.

The Apostles had to hold grief in one hand, and hope in the other. They knew Jesus, as best they could, but had no idea about this gift. The Holy Spirit was unknown to these rabbi rejects. All they really knew about the Holy Spirit was that Jesus thought He was a great friend that they would have when He left.

It’s so easy for me to see, 2000-plus years later, that the gift of the Holy Spirit truly is an amazing gift. But I sure do respect and admire those who heard this gift was coming, but had to wait in faith for Him. They had to suffer agonizing grief before the gift came, and still believe in faith that the gift was coming. Grief and hope. Devastation and faith.

And I’m so thankful. Every God-follower has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, our guide, our reminder. The Holy Spirit warns us, prompts us, tells us when to rest. I’m one of those people that sometimes wishes I could literally call God on my phone, fix a cup of coffee and talk to Him for about an hour, because sometimes the noise in my heart is so loud I can’t hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. That doesn’t mean He’s not there; it means I need to be still, and be quiet, and listen.

Jesus promised that He would not leave us, abandon us. And He sure kept His promise. The guiding, comforting, and illuminating Holy Spirit lives in every God-follower. We are not alone. In times of great fear, He comforts us. In times of bewilderment, He leads us. In times of utter exhaustion or a grief so deep we have no words, He prays our prayers for us… He knows us that well, and never leaves. Never.

The Holy Spirit is more than a phone call—He’s a 24/7 best friend forever! - (Deborah Smith)

Team Wade loves you and is praying for you ❤️👊