Years ago I met a man, I can’t even remember his name. He was an older African American man, who had been through a lot. I think he was in his 80’s or so–at least from my 20 something eyes he seemed REALLY old. (Who knows, he might have only been my age now!) He would often share his testimony, and most always end with this phrase, “Just forty years of steady walking, that is what it takes”. I realize that it has been forty-eight years since I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Wow–what a difference it has made in my life.
What a journey it has been. I am grateful for the gifts of the Spirit and how they help us access the power of the Holy Spirit and help enable us to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. Our Life Group touched on Romans 8: 5 and 6 last night. Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirt think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
I admit it is often easier to read this scripture, than it is to apply it especially when we think it is all on us to make it happen. But it isn’t. We have the amazing loving Holy Spirit who helps us in our times of weakness. He comes along side and helps us shift our thinking as we ask Him. Sometimes He speaks to me, quietly, “not good thinking”. Many times scriptures come to mind and adjustments occur. At times there is just an awareness that there is a better way. “What is the most loving thing you could do in this situation?” Or “are you promoting peace, faith or love here?” It is amazing what listening and responding to those prompts brings to the situation. I am still learning how to do this 24/7 in all situations. I encourage us all, to learn how to walk steady in the Spirit, by the Spirit and life will flow in us and through us touching those around us.
(The picture is my grandson, Jakin. It was taken about the same age as I was when I became a Christian. I am grateful God knows the paths we all take).
Faith Encounters 