Jesus told Nicodemus not to be surprised that one must be born again in order to see the kingdom of God.  (John 3:5, 7)  He goes on to explain in a metaphor, The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. (8) 

This was the experience of the early church.  After Jesus’ resurrection, as they prayed in hiding, the disciples were suddenly surrounded by what sounded like a strong wind, as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with power.  (Acts 2:2-4)  The Ethiopian eunuch traveling through Gaza and the Roman centurion Cornelius both showed evidence of a miraculous new birth, as the wind of the Spirit blew unexpectedly on them.  They were taken by surprise by life-changing belief in Jesus.

To the outside observer, the Spirit’s action seems random and sporadic.  But in the mind of God, these movements of the Spirit are an orderly fulfillment of His sovereign design.

Jesus said that No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.   John 6:44  He draws us in a wonderful way that is mysterious and unpredictable, yet accomplishing God’s will incisively, as a well-shot arrow finds its way to the target.

 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9

Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful, mysterious way You draw people to Yourself in inexplicable, life-changing belief.  We are awestruck by Your wisdom and sovereignty as we see You work in the hearts of people around us.  We pray that You move in that same way in the lives of people we love in our families, neighborhoods, and workplace.  Blow, Holy Spirit, blow!