I like to think I’m pretty good at giving things a proper place. Ask my wife, if we bring something home, I vote it should have a home. That way, nothing gets lost, and everything stays in its place. Still, I’ve had moments of forgetfulness, like those times when I couldn’t remember where I parked the car in a busy parking lot outside an unnamed superstore, or even a mondo airport parking lot. It is because of these moments that I decided to put AirTags in our vehicles. No more frantic searching or walking in circles. Now I always know exactly where my car is. It’s a small thing, but it reminds me how easy it is for us to forget something important, even when we know it’s there.
Sometimes, in our busy lives, we forget even the most significant things, like the presence of God or the purpose for which we’re called. We get caught up in the daily routine, and moments of doubt or distraction creep in. But just as I need help remembering where I parked, we all need help remembering what truly matters. Because, in the end, what’s most important isn’t just about keeping track of our possessions, but about anchoring ourselves in the reality of God’s presence and purpose for us.
Like those small, or large, things I sometimes forget, it’s astonishing how easily we can overlook something as crucial as the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Last Sunday was Pentecost, a reminder that the Holy Spirit was given to empower us for mission, not just for personal spiritual experience. It’s easy to think of Pentecost as an emotional or mystical event, but at its core, it’s about being equipped to carry Christ’s message into the world. The disciples, even after witnessing Jesus’ resurrection, were just as human as you and me, feeling excitement, fear, doubt, and uncertainty all at once. They walked with Jesus, yet they still sometimes faced moments of hesitation.
And that’s precisely the point. The Spirit was given to empower imperfect people. This includes people just like you and me. The disciples’ doubts didn’t disqualify them; they didn’t prevent Jesus from sending them out. Instead, their flaws became a part of the story of grace. The message of Pentecost is clear: God’s power isn’t reserved for the perfect, the fearless, or the fully prepared. It’s given to those willing to step out in faith, trusting that Christ’s Spirit is with them.
“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
—Matthew 28:16-201
It’s easy to point fingers at the disciples for their doubt, but maybe we should put ourselves in their shoes for a bit. Imagine witnessing Jesus alive again, seeing the wounds, hearing His voice, yet still feeling unsure, uncertain of what’s next. The truth is, the early church was composed of imperfect people, just like us. They worshiped Jesus, yes, but some doubted. And still, Jesus entrusted them with the greatest mission: to go into the world and share His love.
That’s a reminder for us today. The church has never thrived because of perfect people, but because of the presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Our shortcomings don’t disqualify us from participating in what God is doing. The Spirit’s power is made perfect in our weakness, and it’s through that power that we can live out our faith authentically, whether we feel confident or uncertain.
Maybe you’re feeling unsure about your place, your ability, or your readiness. That’s understandable. But here’s the good news: the same Spirit that filled the disciples and empowered the early church is still alive and active today. It’s the Spirit that calls ordinary people like you and me to love boldly, serve faithfully, and carry Christ’s presence into the world. We don’t need to be perfect; we only need to be willing. Christ is with us, just as He was with them, and He continues to equip us for the tasks ahead.
So, this week, I invite you to be attentive to the Spirit’s prompting. Look for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ, whether in small acts of kindness, listening to someone in need, or sharing a word of hope. Even if you can’t see Him visibly, remember: He is with you. The Spirit empowers us to live out the good news wherever we go.
And don’t forget (as we can do so easily), if Christ dwells within you, you already have what it takes. His Spirit has been poured out upon us to continue His mission. We are empowered not because of our strength, but because of His presence within us. Go in peace, and carry His love into the world.
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—Book of Common Prayer2
Luke Gambill 