THE STANDBY

With the recent storms sweeping our country from coast to coast, we've seen and heard a lot of news about travelers stranded in airports, unable to reach their destinations for the holidays. There was nothing much they could do other than huddle miserably on cold airport floors and try to get some "shut eye" while waiting for better weather. Of course there was the slim chance, in some cases, of a standby flight.

Did you know that on our spiritual journey we ALWAYS have a standby? Yep. It's found in John 14:26, in the Amplified version. Bet you'll be surprised. "But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you."

(In case you are not familiar with the Amplified version, anything in parenthesis ( ) signifies additional meanings included in the original language. Brackets [ ] indicate clarifying words or comments not actually expressed in the original text.)

So "Standby" is an additional meaning of the original Greek language.

The good thing about our spiritual "Standby" is that we don't have to wait! Our spiritual "Standby" -- the Holy Spirit, Who is our Comforter, our Counselor, our Helper, our Intercessor, and our Strengthener -- is available on a moment's notice. I was going to say He's no more than a prayer away; but, really, He's closer than that. He's as close as the air we breathe; in fact, He IS the air we breathe. He lives and dwells within us. That's closer than close. He's actually a part of us!

So go on your way rejoicing, fellow Christian, knowing that you have an ever-present "Standby."

Preacher's Kid