Yielding to the Holy Spirit: A Journey of Faith

How surrendering to God can transform your spiritual life

“Just as I am, without one plea, the Lamb of God was shed for me, and thou bidd’st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”¹

Have you ever felt like someone else’s faith carried you through? Many of us have leaned on the spiritual strength of a loved one, allowing their connection with God to shield and guide us. But there comes a day when we must step forward on our own, learning to walk in faith and trust God for ourselves. That’s the essence of yielding to the Holy Spirit—a personal journey of surrender, growth, and spiritual maturity.

Faith Beyond Grandma’s Prayers

For many years, I relied on my grandmother’s incredible connection with the Holy Spirit. She had a deep awareness of the spiritual realm and would pray for me with such intensity that I felt protected from harm. I remember coming home from school, and before I could even set foot inside the house, she’d stop me to pray. She could sense when negative forces surrounded me, and her prayers kept them at bay.

Her faith was a safe haven for me, but one day, God made it clear: it was time for me to take responsibility for my own spiritual walk. That realization hit me hard. I began to see how much she had shielded me from—confusion, fear, and spiritual battles I hadn’t even known existed. Now, it was my turn to fight those battles and stand firm in my own faith.

Learning to Pray for Yourself

When I stepped out on my own, I realized that prayer wasn’t just something you did in crisis—it was the lifeline to living in the presence of God. No one can carry your faith forever. I had to learn to pray for myself and seek God’s presence on my own. And trust me, it wasn’t always easy. There are no shortcuts: education, money, or connections won’t bring God’s anointing into your life.

The anointing—the powerful presence of God—is not something we control or earn. It comes only when we yield entirely to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through us. The Holy Spirit doesn’t take cues from us; He moves as He wills, and our job is simply to surrender.

What Does It Mean to Yield?

Yielding to the Holy Spirit means letting go of your own plans, desires, and control, and opening yourself up to God’s direction. It’s not a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong process that deepens as we grow in Christ. The more you surrender, the stronger the anointing becomes in your life.

This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or have everything figured out. Yielding is about trusting God in your daily life—spending time alone with Him, listening for His voice, and making space for Him to lead. As you do this, you’ll begin to live more fully in the “realm of the spirit,” where God’s presence guides your thoughts, actions, and even your struggles.

Why Surrender Matters

Living in the realm of the spirit isn’t just about feeling closer to God; it’s about becoming a vessel for His work. When we surrender completely, God can use us in ways we never imagined. The Holy Spirit empowers us to face challenges, resist temptation, and experience the peace that comes from knowing we’re walking in God’s will.

But here’s the key: this kind of spiritual growth takes time and commitment. You can’t rush it or fake it. Spending time alone with God is essential—it’s where you’ll learn to hear His voice, feel His presence, and build the kind of faith that stands firm no matter what life throws at you.

The Takeaway

Yielding to the Holy Spirit is about trusting God with every part of your life. It’s a journey that starts with surrender and grows as you mature in faith. You don’t need to rely on someone else’s spiritual strength anymore—you can step into the fullness of God’s presence and experience His anointing for yourself.

So take time today to be still, pray, and listen. The Holy Spirit is waiting to guide you, but He needs you to yield. Remember, the only way to stay in the realm of the spirit is to spend time alone with God—and when you do, you’ll find a peace and power that will transform your life.

Minister A Francine Green

August 2025

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