In Step...walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit - God desires us not to race or lag behind Him, but to keep in step with him.

Let's think about this a moment. We become Christians and are overjoyed with happiness, but we sometimes forget that in that happiness we are not expected to run a race in our faith in God. At the same token, we are not to lag behind Him either. So how do you find the right step, the right balance?

"Let us also walk in the Spirit." -Galatians 5:25

Another Bible translation renders this verse "let us keep in step with the Spirit" (NIV). How do we do that?

When we first come to faith in Christ we feel we can conquer the world - with God's help, of course! We wonder if the Spirit will be able to keep up with us. After a little knowing, and a little growing, we begin to realize this "walk" of faith requires training, stamina, and expertise. We cannot help asking ourselves the question, "How long will I be able to keep abreast of the Spirit?" Further down the hard course of life, tripped up by "the sin which so easily ensnares us," distracted, like Martha, by much serving, or just plain jaded with the constant fight of faith, we find ourselves fervently echoing Paul's exhortation, "O Lord, let us keep up with the Spirit."

God delights to hear and answer that request. He wants us in step. He doesn't wish to see us galloping ahead or lagging behind; He wants us in tune, hand in hand with the Spirit, marching as one person toward the finish line. The Holy Spirit is described in Scripture as the Helper, the One who draws alongside to help. He will not walk for us - He will walk with us; and make no mistake about it- He won't stop going even if we do.

There is grace to help in time of need, strength for the day, confidence for the morrow, direction in the dark, company in the light - even power to plod - and it's all within our reach. It is His to supply, and it is ours to use.

How will you gather strength and walk in step with the Spirit?

Let us pray,

Lord,

Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to feel His presence in my life daily, and to lean on His strength and direction as I step out into my day. I want  to be 'in step' so that together Your Holy Spirit and I can do great thing to further Your Kingdom.

Amen

With Love,
"B"