Sometimes biblical passages can set a scene in my imagination and hopefully yours too! Today we are reminded of how the Holy Spirit can create sweet moments of humility and compassion in a follower of Christ. Philip is gently prompted to approach the chariot and “stay near it.” There is no huge call to action, just to be obedient and sensitive in the context of the sacred space.

Sometimes just to be present beside someone can till the spiritual soil for growth, which is what happens next. The sweet sensitivity of the Holy Spirit that Philip was attuned to causes the situation to turn towards a hunger for more of Jesus. I have a best friend in Australia and while I was going through a bad season, sometimes she just sat with me until I was ready to express my pain and move forward with Jesus.

The catalyst for conversation was the Ethiopian eunuch reading the scriptures. Philip had the discernment of the Holy Spirit to ask him “Do you understand what you are reading?” Somehow Philip knew that the words were not being understood or landing in the heart of the eunuch. Philip was compelled to gently unlock the gospel with a simple question.

Are you sensitive to the Holy Spirit and allowing the sweet moments to linger until He leads you to encourage others? As you look ahead to your spiritual growth, are you allowing Jesus to nourish our souls through the scriptures beyond our minds?