The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. The Spirit does not force himself but comes only at an invitation. This is just like salvation. Both Passover and Pentecost come is response to our invitation. We must ask.
Luke 11:9, 10, 13
And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. (nlt)
I believe there are various reasons why people are unwilling, or feel they are unable to surrender to the Holy Spirit. For me it is that I like to feel like I am in control, and the fear of losing control if I totally surrender to anything. I have the feeling that I will become vulnerable, and subsequently get hurt and betrayed. I like the feeling of being in control of things and feeling powerful, the feeling of being above getting hurt, thus I have been susceptible to hurting and betraying my own self with my desire for control. I believe when someone is hurt so much in the past they have problems relinquishing any control, even submitting to Him, trusting, and sharing a meaningful relationship with Him even when they want to do so. They come to expect to be hurt, sabotaging true trust, and replacing it with the false need for control, thus not leaving room for a healthy relationship to develop with God, and with others in Him. The more control they seek, the more they move away from accepting and trusting God’s love and will for them. However, I am thinking that if they felt more security beforehand that they would not be so afraid of surrendering to Him. But also if they surrender to Him, and TRULY trust in Him to provide their needs, then they would feel more secure, a paradox it seems. If they could just take the leap of faith and abolish all fear of trust. Perhaps this could be cured by simultaneously surrendering and trusting. I believe the instant we surrender to Him that He then instantaneously begins giving us a new perspective in Him, hope, love, and peace in truth. As I look back on all the decades of my life, and all the past hurts, I see that the times that I tried to hold onto things the most and tried to control things and relationships the most are when the Holy Spirit was not able to work in my life as He wanted, as He ALWAYS lovingly wants the best for me in Him. While none the less leading me closer to surrender to Him, He is ever presently and patiently waiting for me to trust in Him. He has so much of a better way than my own nearsightedness falsely implies to me without seeing the larger picture. In addition, not only was I not able to see a better way than my own, but I would sabotage God's will for me to know truth, contentment, and happiness in Him. This truth, contentment, and happiness can only occur by surrendering to Him. Trusting and acknowledging Him in all ways.
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