In Step

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

“Let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:25

By Jill Briscoe

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 going, 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.

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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 things to further Your kingdom. Amen.