In reading "Set My Heart on Fire" by Catherine Martin, a book about "Experiencing the Power of The Holy Spirit," there is a poem titled "The Set of the Sail" by Annie Johnson Flint, and in it, she writes:
"Oh, set your sail to the Heavenly gale, And then, no matter what winds prevail, No reef shall wreck you, no calm delay, No mist shall hinder, no storm shall stay; Though far you wander and long you roam, Though salt sea-spray and o'er white sea-foam, No wind that can blow but shall speed you home."
I remember several years ago I asked my Bible Study teacher "please explain The Holy Spirit to me as best you can." She pointed me in the direction of the Book of Acts in the Bible, which I read and she said "The Holy Spirit is the voice that talks within you, our Counselor, our Comforter, our Communicator. The Holy Spirit is our Communicator with God." As I prayed to understand more, and continued to read God's Word, I grew in the very comfort of feeling I understood and knew that God, through HIS Holy Spirit, spoke with me(with us) and I could count on HIS Guidance.
She explained to me "that with accepting Jesus in our hearts as our Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells in us."
I believe Catherine Martin's writings and Bible quotes in "Set My Heart on Fire" gives much to further the understanding, as does many writings and, ultimately: God's Words through HIS Scriptures. I continue to read, continue to study, continue to pray, to understand more.
As I ponder the thoughts of "setting our sail" it is so true.....when our sail is set, are we not on course and feel the confidence of where we are headed? This is an important point: many authors point this out, in one way or another; many poets, song writers, and composers point out the importance of 'setting our sails,' having purposeful, meaningful lives by knowing our purpose(s), and it's importance. Napoleon Hill, author, stated over and over again "definiteness of purpose" as a key in life.
I do believe that God, and HIS Holy Spirit, helps us define our purpose(s), when we believe, and when we pray for HIS Guidance. The 'set of the sail' charts the course. Then, we must pray for the set of the sail, for the definiteness of purpose, and may that purpose be according to God's Will.
When we listen to that voice inside us, when we listen to our hearts, and feel Peace, then that is when I believe we know where the sail is set, that is when we feel 'HIS Purpose." That search begins with belief, and Faith.
"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
"Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof" Khalil Gibran.
It is Faith that helps us to be able to listen and hear "that tender voice inside us to guide us."
Jesus said, according to God's Word recorded in the Scriptures: "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again." The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
John 3, 6-8. NIV.
I believe our 'sails are set' by the Power of the Holy Spirit, and our belief in God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit. May the 'wind of the Holy Spirit' blow within our sails, and set our very course.....