All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit who apportions to each one individually as He wills. 1Corinthians 12:11
Recently a person expressed to me a deep concern for the spiritual well being of a family member. A question asked, demonstrated some of the concerned frustration - “what will it take to bring about [in the family member] a right relationship with the Lord?” I replied, “nothing short of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.”
Humanly speaking that may seem like a cop out as it means - it’s out of our hands! It also means our methods; strategies, prayers and goals are not the prime movers in bringing about spiritual renewal and even genuine spiritual growth. Fundamentally it means believers are to be totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit to move, persuade and convict whom He will and when He wants.
This patient dependence, which many of us experience in regard to our loved ones, is being submissive to the sovereign will of God, no matter what.
But this truth can wrongly induce in us a lazy, complaining attitude. For example we can end up saying - “if we are powerless to do anything, why bother… let God handle it”
This is the wonderful part - God includes our involvement in bringing about His purposes in the lives of those around us. He has given every true believer enabling power to live and speak as a witness to His grace. (1Cor. 1:5-6). I like Jerry Bridges has put this in his book Pursuit of Holiness. Our reliance on the Spirit is not intended to foster an attitude of “I can’t do it,” but one of “I can do it through Him who strengthens me.” The Christian should never complain of want of ability and power.