Lesson 181: When the Spirit Hovers

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

When the Spirit Hovers

Lee had it. So did JEB Stuart. Jackson was consumed by it. Polk followed it and President Davis possessed it. That was their secret. In fact, all men who followed the Cross were ordained with it. They all believed. The men of legend believed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Turning to Genesis, Chapter 1: 1-2, the Bible tells us that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (2) Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” The Spirit of God was hovering and when He spoke, the heavens and earth were formed. All things bow down to the risen Savior of the Holy Trinity. And when men lead by prayer, well the result can be seen in the annuals of history.

It was said that Lee prayed in all things and that when the battle began, he placed it, “In God’s hands.” He was often quoted as saying “God’s will” and gave the credit to God. He must have said a thousand times the Lord’s Prayer and believed in “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven Matthew 6: 10”. He was noted to pray in public, seek God in all things and men followed because of the spirit that shined through him and moved within the camp. JEB Stuart was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and everyone who came into contact with him was mesmerized by his faith and joy. In death he sang Rock of Ages and died rejoicing, as he knew he did all to serve Him and his beloved South. Jackson stated that his religion made him as comfortable on the battlefield as he would be in his own bed and led by example, praying with fever for God’s will to be done. He stepped out on faith, boldly going forward. (For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7) He possessed that spirit, even in death and issued those immortal words, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” He KNEW where he was going, as dictated by his spirit being in alignment with the Holy Spirit. At Polk’s death, it was said he turned with a smile that transmitted a peace that passed human understanding, as the artillery targeted in on him. He could have stepped out of harm’s way but his spirit knew it was time. He did not fear death, for the spirit had already set him free from the casing that contained his soul. President Davis was known to pray for guidance and when the end came for Lee’s army, the President was found inside the church. He became a captive of the North and was falsely imprisoned without a due process but a martyr for the South. This man who was a Senator, Secretary of War, War Hero (Colonel during the Mexican War), founder of the Smithsonian, and renovator of the White House would be subjected to evil. But he was suffering for the cause, state rights, a firm belief in the right to secede, and God’s will. “It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1Peter 3:17

Examples abound in the Bible. One of my favorite can be found in Matthew 8: 1-10. “When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

We are what we believe and embrace. If we profess Christ but do not accept the will of God and His spirit to guide us in storms and sun, then we will fail. Have you ever felt God’s presence and His spirit move within your body, creating chills and an undeniable urge to raise your hands in praise? Have you felt the joy of being in His will and feeling His spirit when things go right and things go wrong? Have you stepped out on faith and failed. Can you accept God’s will in your life and realize that once you receive the Master of Eternity, you must bow to His wisdom. God is alive and well and when you draw neigh unto Him, He will draw neigh unto you. Oh, you will still have troubles but you will find you have the greatest friend, the greatest counselor, the greatest Prince of Peace, and the greatest peace ever known. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling; calling “Ole Sinner Come Home”! Feeling His Spirit and embracing His will, I am your humble servant in Christ, The Old General