Release Date: May 13th, 2026Yielding to the Engaging Work of The Holy Spirit
- by Fanosie Legesse
I recall a formative conversation with a young leader in the Meserete Kristos Church prior to my commitment to follow Christ. His presentation of discipleship was neither softened nor accommodating; rather, it was articulated through a series of prohibitions and demands. One “shall not” followed another: one must not curse, lie, or retaliate; one must refrain from certain social practices, such as dancing; one must not pursue romantic relationships outside the Mennonite tradition; and one must not enlist in military service. In this framing, the Christian life was defined by separation, discipline, and an unwavering moral center.
...how can one meaningfully commit to a life that entails such cost?
Equally striking was his description of the potential consequences of such commitment. To follow Christ, he explained, was to risk persecution—not only from state authorities, particularly within a communist context, but also from one’s own community. Imprisonment, coercion, and even death were presented as plausible outcomes of faithful discipleship.
...the Holy Spirit would provide the necessary empowerment to endure these challenges with joy—even with a posture of worship.
Confronted with these realities, I asked a question that, in retrospect, reflects both existential concern and theological curiosity: how can one meaningfully commit to a life that entails such cost?
...how does one know that the Holy Spirit is present and active in one’s life?
The response I received was succinct yet theologically profound: the Holy Spirit would provide the necessary empowerment to endure these challenges with joy—even with a posture of worship. This answer shifted the focus from human capacity to divine enablement.
I then raised a further question: how does one know that the Holy Spirit is present and active in one’s life? The answer offered was both practical and specific—through fasting and prayer, one could receive the Holy Spirit, with particular emphasis on speaking in tongues as confirmatory evidence.
The Holy Spirit enables us to love, empowers us to teach, leads us into truth, and remains present with us continually.
In response, I undertook an extended period of fasting and prayer. In time, I experienced speaking in tongues, which I interpreted as definitive validation of the Spirit’s presence. In retrospect, however, I recognize that my understanding was shaped by a form of theological reductionism, in which the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit were effectively confined to a single experiential manifestation. Had this experience not occurred, the potential for spiritual disillusionment would have been significant, given the weight I had placed upon it.
Jesus calls His followers to a mission that exceeds human ability, yet He promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to accomplish it.
From my present vantage point, I approach this experience with greater theological nuance. While I remain grateful that God met me within the limits of my understanding, I now acknowledge the inadequacy of equating the Spirit’s presence solely with glossolalia.
Nevertheless, two enduring theological insights emerged from this encounter. First, discipleship to Christ entails a radical reorientation of life—a comprehensive turning that may be described in terms of repentance and transformation. Second, such transformation is not achievable through human effort alone; it requires an ongoing, participatory openness to the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit.
I believe God calls the leaders and congregations of MCEC to what is humanly impossible
These principles are reflected in Scripture. I provide only two texts here. Ezekiel 36:27 declares, “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (NIV). This passage underscores that faithful obedience to God is made possible through the indwelling Spirit, who enables and directs the lives of God’s people.
Similarly, Acts 1:8 records Jesus’ words: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NIV). The term “witness” shares its root with the concept of martyrdom, highlighting that discipleship may entail profound sacrifice. Jesus calls His followers to a mission that exceeds human ability, yet He promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to accomplish it.
With God, nothing is impossible.
In the same way, I believe God calls the leaders and congregations of MCEC to what is humanly impossible: to love as Jesus loves, to be light as He is light, and to serve, teach, and proclaim as He did. Such a calling among diverse community of faith cannot be fulfilled through human strength alone. The Holy Spirit enables us to love, empowers us to teach, leads us into truth, and remains present with us continually.
Therefore, I invite us to follow the example of the early Anabaptists by yielding ourselves to the active work of the Holy Spirit. With God, nothing is impossible.
- Fanosie Legesse is the MCEC Intercultural Pastor