The advantage is real

"'But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NASB

When Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya broke the two-hour marathon barrier in October, people took notice - not only of him and his team of pacers though, but of their Nike Vaporfly shoes that have drawn a lot of controversy over their legality. You see, these kinds of shoes that feature carbon plates and springy midsole foam have become an explosive issue among runners, as the debate rages over whether the shoes save so much energy they amount to an unfair advantage. And now, a new analysis conducted by the New York Times suggests that not only are the advantages real but are larger than they previously estimated. And with many more shoe manufacturers constructing the same type of shoes, you can be sure the controversy will continue.

And you know, when it comes to having an advantage or a condition that puts us in a favorable position, Jesus, immediately upon telling the disciples He was leaving soon to join the Father, comforted them by explaining, "it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." You see, as a man, Jesus' presence was limited to one place at a time. But his death, or going away, provided every believer the advantage of having the Spirit present at all times and in all places. Talk about being put in a favorable position!

So this Christmas season as you and I express our thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ, let us also be thankful that the Savior of the world was willing to die on the cross to not only save us from our sins but to send us the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit who resides in us and allows us to speak directly to You at all times. Help us to understand how truly awesome this gift is Lord that we would never take it for granted and would want to share it with others. Thank You for loving us so much that You would choose to live as a man and die as a sinner to give us eternal life. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Holy Spirit