Keeping in Step
By Susan Aken
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
Choices color my day. Every minute I’m free to follow Jesus or wander down my own path.
When watching four ROTC girls carrying flags and walking in sync, I wondered how long they practiced to be so precise. Each had to keep their eyes on the others and match their rhythm while following the leader’s commands. They weren’t free to set their own pace.
Today’s verse urges us to keep in step with the Spirit of God. How do I do this? I put my eyes on Him, listening for His direction, and I start moving.
When I’m in step I begin the day praising God and asking Him to fill me with His Spirit as I yield my will to Him.
I read His word looking for one truth to meditate on throughout the day and listen for His Spirit to guide me. For example, when He impresses me to pray for someone, I pray immediately. When He convicts me of sin, I repent. When He stirs my heart to give, encourage, to join or to back away from a ministry, as He leads, I follow. I walk in harmony with Him.
I get out of step when He speaks and I ignore Him or pretend I don’t hear Him. That choice ends in emptiness and regret. I’m still His child and He loves me but I won’t find peace and fulfillment when I avoid Him.
Just as the ROTC students train and practice to stay in sync so we must train ourselves to live aligned with the Holy Spirit. If I get out of line, I make adjustments, focus on my Lord, and get back in agreement with Him. I may have to do this a hundred times a day but the more I yield the less often I’ll give in to sinful desires (Galatians 5:16).
Are you cooperating with the Holy Spirit?
Susan Aken is a homemaker, teacher, writer, and frequent contributor to Wholly Loved Ministries’ projects. She lives in Nebraska but was born and raised in Oklahoma. She and her husband have one son. Her greatest love is for the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed her and set her free. Susan enjoys reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and writing. She has a heart for prayer ministry and loves her church. Visit her online at susanaken53.wordpress.com.
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Originally published Friday, 31 May 2019.
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