Part of all of this is also a realization that God’s plan is a specific one. I am called to follow Jesus and Jesus said that everything He did was directed by God the Father (John 5:19) Not only that but Jesus also declared, “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.” (John 12:49) Now that is a specific plan! And as a follower of Jesus I can expect that same kind of specific direction from God as well; “Since we live by the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) The image of walking is perfect because walking consists of putting one foot in front of the other. As soon as you stop doing that you are no longer walking but are standing. Therefore walking by the Spirit is a constant process of looking to Him for our direction in life. As soon as we stop doing that we are no longer walking in the Spirit.

Practically this means that in every situation of life we have the potential to fulfill the plan of God for us. So we stop and ask for His help to know what His plan is. Our prayer may be as simple as, “Lord show me what You want me to do/say.” God will answer that prayer! Sometimes He will show us through our common sense: you see someone in need and you find a way to serve them. Sometimes He will direct us by stopping us from going in a certain direction. Sometimes He will send someone else to advise us. Sometimes He will bring a verse to our mind that directs us. It could be any number of ways that He directs us but we will know that it is from Him the more we practice walking in the Spirit. Jesus promised, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27) The more that you talk to God in prayer, listen to Him through the Bible and hear about Him from other believers you will sensitize your senses to His leading and directing.

The amazing part of walking in the Spirit is not only do we follow God’s plan for us but we are in constant communication with Him and our relationship with Him matures and deepens. Just imagine spending a whole day conversing with God about what He wants you to do and say in every situation! What a wonderful way to live!

Does this make sense Gilbert?

Lord God I ask that You would help Gilbert to discover how to live beyond just the title of ‘Christian’. Speak to Him about how to walk in the Spirit so that everything he does is in obedience to Your direction. Help him to recognize Your voice and leading in his life and give him the confidence to obey no matter how daunting. Develop his trust in Your provision of wisdom and strength for every situation. Bring people into his life who will help him to live out Your plan and purpose for him. In Jesus’ name amen.