How is God's Spirit Like the Wind?
Monday, September 15, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

Power of the Wind

The breeze brushed our faces with soft gusts. Our heads leaned back against the patio chairs while we rested our bodies from the day’s chores. We gazed out from our front porch. With hearts aglow, my husband and I soaked in the beauty of God’s world.

Blue skies expanded before us with puffy clouds floating along. The late afternoon sun winked through the branches of a neighbor’s tall maple tree. The leaves waved at us in the gentle wind.

A dragonfly darted above a nearby bush, while a ladybug flitted past. Crickets and cicadas serenaded us with melodious chirps. Between insect songs, long pauses of sweet stillness offered respite and peace.

Slowing down to sit in God’s creation brought refreshment to our souls.

Suddenly, a flickering movement caught my eye. I sat up and squinted. Stretching my arm, I pointed to show my husband. “A monarch butterfly!” We held our breath, watching the orange wings lift the butterfly in quiet beauty.

Within a few minutes, a yellow butterfly and a white butterfly flitted by. Wide-eyed, we watched. Mesmerized by their fluttering journeys.

A rush of wind picked up the last butterfly. With a swift burst, the breeze carried the butterfly high into a tree.

We didn’t expect to see the butterfly transported with such rapid force or elevation. Typically, we imagine butterflies puttering slowly through the air. However, the perfect wind conditions on this day bore the butterfly to new heights with one waft.

The Wind of God’s Spirit

Remembering the power of wind in Scripture, my husband and I talked about the verse from John 3:8 ESV, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

In this passage from John 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus secretly visited Jesus at night to ask questions. Jesus explained the need to be born again—not a physical rebirth, but reborn of water and Spirit—or we cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).

Nicodemus was troubled because he couldn't understand Jesus’ doctrine and teachings about this. Jesus encouraged Nicodemus not to discard His teachings based on a lack of understanding. Therefore, in John 3:8, Jesus used this example from nature to reassure Nicodemus.

In the same way we cannot see the wind, but we can see its effects; so we cannot see God, but we see the Holy Spirit’s transforming effects in the lives of believers.

How is God’s Spirit Like the Wind?

As we contemplate the Spirit’s work in our lives, we recall many ways Scripture describes God’s Spirit as wind.

1. God’s Spirit has Power

God has power over everything. He parted the Red Sea with the wind (Exodus 14:21). Christ commanded the wind and the waves, and the elements obeyed (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41).

Likewise, there is no soul beyond the reach of God. No sin is too great. No past is too broken. No rebellion is too great for God to breathe into the heart, soften, and redeem. We cannot control the wind. Nor can we control God, for He is Sovereign.

2. Holy Spirit Breathes Life

As we gasp for air when we are born, so we gasp for the spiritual air of God’s Spirit to live. Like the wind that blows fresh air and we breathe in, filling our lungs, the Holy Spirit breathes life into our souls (Ezekiel 37:9). We depend on God’s infilling and indwelling Spirit to resuscitate, empower, and regenerate us (John 20:22, Acts 2:38).

3. God’s Spirit Moves and Changes Things

When the wind blows, it changes things. When God moves, He changes people and circumstances. The wind propels ships, uproots trees, and spreads wildfire. Similarly, when the Holy Spirit moved on the Day of Pentecost, He surged through hearts with power that transformed history (Acts 2:1-4). Incredibly, that same Holy Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Although we may consider ourselves to be in control of many things, we are more like the tender butterfly than we may realize. Our time on earth is fragile and temporary. May we surrender fully to God’s Spirit that lifts and carries us to higher places, according to His plans and purposes.

Through the high storms and gentle breezes, we look to Jesus. Knowing that wherever He places us, and however He uses us, He is working all things together for good and transforming us like the exquisite butterfly.

Do you have a butterfly story? How is the wind of God’s Spirit moving you?

Job 33:4 - “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

P.S. Have you read my new award-winning book, The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible? If not, I hope you’ll check it out! It comes with a free downloadable Small Group Study Guide. Makes a great book for small groups or Sunday School classes. Available at Amazon and other major retailers.

Comments

Jessica Brodie From SC At 9/20/2025 6:41:49 PM

Love this! It's amazing how the "wind" of the Holy Spirit can propel us in extraordinary ways to amazing things for the glory of God's Kingdom.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Amen, Jessica! May we position ourselves so the Spirit can lift and carry us wherever God calls us to go!

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 9/20/2025 12:45:50 PM

We used to get the monarch butterflies through here on their annual migration. But their numbers have dwindled. They are an amazing sight. Your message is so good Melissa. Thank you.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Their numbers have dwindled here, too, Yvonne. So they are a prized sight, for sure! God bless you!

Karen Friday From TN At 9/18/2025 3:11:18 PM

Melissa, I love your opening descriptive words and how you relate us to the butterfly. I truly desire to let the power of the Holy Spirit carry me to obedience, the good works God prepared for me, and walking in the Spirit and keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5). God bless!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Karen, the day we watched the butterflies from our front porch, we felt blessed in a special way! May the Holy Spirit fill, refresh, and empower you to move with Him wherever He leads!

Mike Clancy From Portland, Or At 9/16/2025 4:41:32 PM

Wonderful blog/devotional, Melissa All I could think of is how just yesterday, Holy Spirit used a great friend I had not seen in a couple yrs to send a text out of nowhere - ‘meet me at this AA mtg tonight’ w address. Spirit wind knew to carry me there. God bless you!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Wow! Mike, thank you for sharing this testimony of the Spirit moving to connect and uplift you and your friend! Spirit wind knows what we need! May we be listening and willing to go where He leads. God bless you!

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 9/16/2025 10:58:37 AM

I look back on my life and think, "How did I get to this place, or, how did I get that job?" The Holy Spirit was certainly carrying me along.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Well said! Sometimes I think when we get to heaven, one of the wonders will be learning of all the ways God protected us and guided us. May His Spirit refresh your heart and guide you today!

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 9/16/2025 8:33:48 AM

What a wonderful message! I love butterflies and their ability to perch on a flower while the wind is blowing. God's creations are amazing. The wind brings many experiences for animals and people. Have a blessed day! :-)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I love watching animals and God's creation. His wondrous works reveal a wonderful Creator! And butterflies are amazing. May God's Spirit fill you afresh as you look for His hand at work. Blessings!

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

You are God's Masterpiece
Melissa McLaughlin
3/23/2026

Let the Wind of God's Spirit Sweep Over You
Melissa McLaughlin
2/23/2026

How Does the Light of Christ Change Your Heart?
Melissa McLaughlin
2/9/2026

3 Ways to Set Your Affections on Things Above
Melissa McLaughlin
1/26/2026

3 Ways to Shine Christ's Light in the New Year
Melissa McLaughlin
1/12/2026

Half a Walk is Better Than No Walk
Melissa McLaughlin
11/10/2025

You May Be the One
Melissa McLaughlin
11/3/2025

How is God's Spirit Like the Wind?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/15/2025

Are You Stretching for More of God?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/8/2025

Turn On the Light of Christ
Melissa McLaughlin
9/1/2025

Where is God Planting You?
Melissa A. McLaughlin
8/20/2025

Are You Seeking the City That is to Come?
Melissa McLaughlin
7/23/2025