God’s Spirit and Prayer to Take a Step
By Annie Yotty
Bible Reading:
“If we live by the spirit, let us take a step into the spirit too.” – Galatians 5:25
Read or listen to the following:
For the past six years I have had constant companions in my life. And when I say “constant,” I mean the person who ran to my side every time I moved from one room to the other in my house. It wasn’t private and there was no bathroom. Can you guess the identity of my peers?
My “Labradoodle of Furry Beasts” Misha came to us as a five-pound ball of silky black curls. In the early stages of his training, I stitched him to my waist whenever he left his crate. He ran beside me wherever I went. When he was trained and reliable, I removed the tether so that he could roam freely.
When I cut the cord, something interesting happened. Misha stayed by my side. He was curling his head over my legs as I sat on the couch. I was working at the desk and he was lying at my feet. If I moved into the kitchen, my shadow followed me. When I entered the bathroom and closed the sliding door, it wasn’t enough to rest outside until I came out. Every time, his pointy nose thrusts the barrier aside so he could be by my side.
Shouldn’t we follow Misha’s example when it comes to our relationship with God?
The apostle Paul wrote, “But I say, if you walk by the spirit, you will not satisfy the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 ESV). As Misha and I went for a walk, he grabbed a poodle by me and turned upward towards my side. The world around him teased his eyes, tickled his nose, captivating his instincts. The grilled meat was floating in a breeze. The squirrel darted and chatted. The dog barked and rushed. On my part, Misha didn’t notice.
Similarly, we are not invited into the flesh as we continue to take a step with the Spirit of God that lives within us. Part of our nature wants immediate satisfaction and physical stimulation.
Walking with God requires intentional daily commitment. When we wake up, we recognize that he is our master and we want to follow him. Just as Misha relied on me for food, we seek God’s provisions for our needs. When we feel his direction, we follow his lead. Just as Misha has disgusted the barriers of the past to stick close to me, we confess and thrust us into the sin and egocentricity that separates us from God. And we can rest in God, just as Misha slept in the world without caring about it in my lap.
Misha was pretty much staying by my side and rarely got into trouble. I kept my eyes on him and managed to blow away excessive interest in my throw pillows and couch blankets. I picked up some socks that he might want to eat. If he got violent with the visitors, I sent him to a safe mat. But sometimes he wandered. Without my guidance, he succumbed to seduction.
When we remain near God, he helps us resist temptation too. “God is faithful and he will not be seduced beyond your abilities, but by seduction he will provide a way to escape. However, as we wander, his voice sounds distant or uncomprehensible. Distracted by the world, we begin to hear our wisdom.
A few days ago, Misha took her final breath. I want more time with him, but thank God for the gift of love and devotion from my faithful friend. Still, I miss the bouncing of my big, furry boy on my side every minute of the day.
He also laments when we leave God’s Spirit. Paul said, “Do not sorrow the Holy Spirit of God, whom you have sealed for the day of your redness” (Ephesians 4:30 ESV). God loves us and enjoys us when we are close to him.
Friend, every time I tapped my thighs, Misha flew to his position on my left flank. The Spirit of God calls you to his side. Listen to his voice and take a step forward with your spirit every day.
Let’s pray:
Dear Father God,
Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who lives within us. I also appreciate concrete reminders like Misha. With steps with you, we will receive your offering and protection. We have fellowships and love that fulfill all our longings. We praise this life and for everlasting us. Amen.
Copyright©2024 Annie Yorty
Photo Credit: Getty/Smile
Annie Yothy writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive the man, existence, supply and purpose of God in unexpected twists and turns. Married to her high school lover and lives in Pennsylvania, she is a teenage mother, two adult children (one with intellectual disabilities), and a Labradoodle, a furry beast. She is written from ignorance to bliss. God’s heart is revealed through Down Syndrome and is to find Jesus the 25 symbols of dedicated Christmas. Connect with her on Annieyorty.com, Facebook and Instagram.
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