To walk in the Spirit is a challenging and inspiring exercise

Published 8:18 am Monday, November 11, 2024

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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I hear people say that we can’t understand what someone is going through until we walk a mile in their shoes. Is there a connection to walking in the Spirit and does that help us in navigating life’s troubles? – W.S.

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Dear W.S.: To walk in the Spirit is a challenging and inspiring exercise, for it combines activity with relaxation (trusting God). To walk means to place one foot in front of the other. If you stop doing this, you are no longer walking – you are standing still.

Walking always implies movement, progress, and direction. Living for Christ is a day-to-day going-on with Him. It is a continuous dependence upon the Spirit of God, believing in His faithfulness. We cannot live the Christian life separated from God. The Holy Spirit must live in you and express Himself through you. Sin will no longer rule or dominate you if you are allowing the Holy Spirit to live Christ’s life through you; living by faith, trust, and dependence upon God. If we look to our own resources, our own strength, or our own ability as Peter did when he walked on the water, we will fail.

In our daily walk as Christians, reliance must be on the Holy Spirit. Realize that God is in control. Habakkuk the prophet cried out to God and said, “O God, why are these terrible evils coming upon the world?” God said, “I will work a work in your days” (Habakkuk 1:5, NKJV). God is at work in the midst of crisis. In the midst of the problems, pessimism, and frustrations of our day, God is doing His own work. Let us realize that there are certain things we cannot do. Let us be faithful in the things He has called us to do, and rely on Him to lead and guide. Our response is trust and obedience to Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)