Moe Bergeron

Faith is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily posture. It’s how we begin our walk with God, and it’s how we continue. The Spirit isn’t just received by faith—He’s lived with by faith.

Galatians 3:2 (NLT)

“Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ.”

Reflection
Paul doesn’t pull any punches here. He’s writing to a group of believers who started in faith but were slipping back into legalism. His question is sharp and clear: “How did you receive the Spirit?” The answer is just as clear—by faith.

That same question still speaks to us. When we begin to measure our closeness to God by how well we’re performing—how consistent our quiet times are, how “spiritual” we feel—we’re forgetting what started this whole journey. The Spirit came because we believed, not because we achieved.

Faith is the open hand that receives what grace freely gives. It doesn’t qualify or negotiate; it simply trusts. And that’s the posture that welcomes the Spirit’s work—not striving, but surrender. We grow in grace not by effort alone but by deepening trust in God’s presence and promise.

It’s also worth noting what Paul doesn’t say. He doesn’t tell the Galatians to feel the Spirit or to prove His presence. He tells them to remember that they received Him. That’s an act of God, settled by grace, secured by faith.

Application
Take a moment today to pause and ask: Am I trying to earn what I already have in Christ? Return to the simple posture of faith. Thank God for the Spirit. Trust that He is with you—even if you don’t feel it. Let faith, not feeling, lead your steps.

References

Colossians 2:6 (NLT)
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.”

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Prayer
Lord, thank You that the Spirit was given, not because of my goodness, but because of Your grace. Forgive me for the ways I slip back into self-effort. Help me live today by faith—trusting that You are near, that Your Spirit is present, and that Your promises are true. Strengthen my trust in You. Amen.