Empowered Life: Seven's

Empowered Life: Seven's | Zach, Esther, Cole & Angie | 27 July 2025

Catch up: YouTube | iTunes | Spotify

Four powerful stories—real testimonies of how the Holy Spirit transforms lives. These individuals are sharing moments where God met them, guided them, and empowered them.

As we continue our Empowered Life series, we’re reminded that Jesus never asked us to live this life alone. He gives us the Holy Spirit—God with us—to strengthen, counsel, and shape us.

Each story is linked to Isaiah 11:2, which describes the Spirit resting on Jesus. Now, as His followers, that same Spirit rests on us—bringing wisdom, power, and deep connection with God.

Zach: Dwelling or visiting

A few months ago, I was in a hit-and-run while cycling near Irene. Left unconscious in the road, I experienced the beauty of strangers rushing to help—but also the pain of having to call my wife for help when even the ambulance was delayed. She arrived before emergency services and rushed me to hospital, where the pain was overwhelming, and I began a three-week stay.

During that time, I learned the difference between visitors and dwellers. My family could only visit briefly, but I had to dwell there. It reminded me of how the Holy Spirit doesn’t just visit us—He dwells in us. He takes up residence, bringing constant presence, easy access, and immediate response. You don’t have to wait for Him. He’s already here, living within you. Give Him space—and He will stay.

Esther: The Spirit who counsels, reveals and heals

I’ve wrestled with seeing God as a loving Father, largely because of my relationship with my earthly dad. Striving replaced simply being a daughter. But the Holy Spirit—our Counselor—has been healing and revealing God’s heart to me in those quiet, intimate moments.

John 16:13 reminds us that the Spirit guides us into truth. As we build a real relationship with Him—through time, conversation, and attentiveness—He helps us experience God personally.

Community has also played a powerful role. Watching the dads in my life group love their children has helped me see what fatherhood can look like, and through that, understand God’s father-heart for me.

So I invite you: start that journey with the Holy Spirit. In relationship and in community, you’ll find healing and the freedom that only God can bring. The Spirit will show you who the Father truly is.

Cole - True Freedom in the Spirit

In 2017, I met Masooda, a widowed Muslim mother. Despite religious differences, we fell in love. Facing pressure from her family, I challenged her to give Jesus 7 days. Through scripture, prayer, and the Spirit’s leading, she encountered Christ and chose to follow Him.

After moving to Gauteng, we married again in a Christian ceremony and she was baptized. This led to deep conflict and rejection from her family. We endured hardship, depression, and spiritual attack — but found strength in God, prayer, and support from our church and family.

Recently, after surrendering to God in prayer, we experienced breakthrough. A family holiday that we expected to be tense turned into a time of peace and healing. God showed up powerfully.

I urge you: Take the 7-day challenge — for yourself or someone in your life. Make space for the Holy Spirit to rest, not just visit. Let Him lead you to true freedom and empowered living. The outcome may surprise you.

Angie - Still small voice 

I grew up in a home that loved Jesus and learned to hear the Holy Spirit as a still, small voice—comforting me through anxiety, guiding me in motherhood, and empowering me to lead. But there was a time when I stopped listening. I first married a man who broke me in every way—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Isolated and terrified, I felt far from God’s voice.

Yet even in the silence, the Spirit whispered truth: I was still His, still loved, and still called. That whisper gave me strength to leave and begin a journey of healing. Through His Spirit, God reminded me who I am—not broken or disqualified, but a beloved daughter with a purpose.

Today, I live in the fullness of that restoration—filled with God’s peace and led by His Spirit. His whisper may be quiet, but it drowns out every other voice. Let’s make space for that voice. Let Him empower you to live a life of purpose, peace, and Kingdom culture.

Four introspective questions:

1. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just visit—He dwells in us. In what ways are you making room for the Holy Spirit to dwell in your everyday life? What might need to shift for Him to take up full residence?

2. Each story highlighted how the Holy Spirit heals, counsels, and restores. Where do you need the Holy Spirit to bring healing or clarity right now—in your identity, relationships, or past experiences?

3. Living an empowered life often begins with a small “yes” to the Holy Spirit. What is one step of faith, surrender, or obedience the Holy Spirit might be prompting you to take?

4. The Spirit often speaks in a whisper. How do you personally hear from the Holy Spirit? What helps you recognise His voice—and what tends to drown it out?