Matthew 14:25-29 KJV
[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
This scripture is a very good depiction of the faith of those who do not have the Holy Spirit. Faith for those that do not have the Holy Spirit is belief. Belief is predicated on the word of God. God must first instruct, declare or reveal something to be believed. For example, God has revealed that He so loved the world, that He created a path to salvation. The unsaved must believe this if they intend to come to God. There can be nothing that God has said/revealed that they doubt.
Hebrew 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
All that approach God must be confident that He is God, and that He will reward you for asking Him for the Holy Ghost. Your belief is a solid foundation that will have God move on your behalf. All He asks is that we trust Him. If we do not believe Him, we call Him a liar; and all lies are of the devil.
Jesus told Peter to come, but He allowed Himself to be distracted by those things that would seemingly contradict Jesus' word. He walked a few steps, but then thoughts entered into his mind. He begun to look at the waves and the winds and he doubted in himself. He thought that He was not qualified to walk the water. However, his focus should not have been on himself, but on Jesus.
Likewise you, who seek the Holy Ghost, cease from focusing on you and your abilities. Receiving the Holy Ghost is not about cleaning yourself first, rather it is about approaching the Father in honesty, and sincerely asking Him for the Spirit. If this sincerity is coupled with belief, God cannot withhold from you. If there is anything that prevents you from receiving the Spirit, God will reveal it to you. You are not too bad to receive the Lord - He wants to save you more than you want to be saved.
Give over to God today. Trust Him, and ask for the Holy Ghost.
Activity: If you are seeking the Holy Ghost, go to a quiet place and ask the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit, and trust that He will. If you already have the Holy Ghost, minister to somebody today for them to be filled with the Holy Ghost.
This series is based on the book "Discerning Faith", by Mary Banks. Get your copy on Amazon at the link below