Lead Drenched

By Jeff Stanford

In the flurry of our lives as Christian leaders, often marked by service, counsel and guiding our flocks, there lies an underlying thirst. It’s the thirst for a life not just touched but thoroughly covered and completely filled—drenched—in the Holy Spirit. This is what I refer to as the “drenched life.”

Acts 2:17-18 (NLT) tells us, “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy.’” This pouring is not a mere trickle; it’s a deluge, an overwhelming outpouring that drenches every fiber of our being.

Growing up, many of us learned about sin, salvation and the promise of the Holy Spirit. But often, our spiritual journeys felt punctuated by powerful experiences, followed by phases of discouragement. This isn’t the life God envisions for us. He calls us to a day-in, day-out, deeply intimate communion with Him, not just episodic encounters.

The key is in realizing that there’s always more of God than we’ve known. As Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV) attests, God is omnipresent, whether God the Father in Heaven, God the Son while He was on earth and God the Holy Spirit in us now, enabling us to become overcomers. Yet, many of us yearn for a tangible manifestation of His presence. Such yearning led me to an intimate moment with the Holy Spirit when I was 16 years old, transforming my understanding of God’s desire for closeness. This isn’t limited to me; it’s God’s wish for each of His leaders.

In our leadership roles, we’re not just called to guide but to exemplify a life deeply connected with God. It’s essential to address the Holy Spirit in prayer, to actively seek His counsel, guidance and transformative power. This is the baptism of the Spirit, what I describe as the “liquid electricity” that flows through us, renewing, empowering, and guiding. Matthew 3:11 and Acts 2:1-4 (KJV) describe the baptism in the Holy Spirit, an experience that goes beyond speaking in tongues; it’s about being enveloped in God’s love and guided by His direction.

The Holy Spirit wishes to forge a real, robust relationship with each of us. He yearns to be our confidant, our guide, our rock, our best friend. He seeks to guide us through life’s highs and lows, ensuring we’re not just leading but thriving in His grace. This relationship begins by surrendering, asking Jesus to cleanse us, guide us and mold our hearts according to His will.

Our spiritual journey is the most thrilling adventure we’ll ever embark on. It’s a journey of growth, transformation, and relentless pursuit of God’s heart. Every scripture we read, every prayer we utter, every act of service we undertake, should be a step toward a deeper relationship with God.

And this relationship isn’t static. The Bible speaks of at least three baptisms: the baptism of salvation through repentance, baptism in water and baptism with the Holy Spirit. Each baptism is a step deeper, a layer peeled back, manifesting more of God’s magnificent plan for us.

Being a Christian leader is more than just guiding our flocks. It’s about living the “drenched life,” thoroughly covered and completely filled with God’s love, guidance, and transformative power. It’s about seeking more, diving deeper and letting the Holy Spirit transform every step, every decision, every moment of our lives. So, let’s commit today, not just to lead but to live drenched, soaked in God’s overwhelming love and grace.

The Arms of the Holy Spirit Are Your Sanctuary. Collapse into Them! Order Jeff Stanford's book here.