Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:24 –25

Paul gave us a clue about finding our strength in the right place in Galatians 5:24–25. We’re told that because of our faith in Jesus, we now belong to Him. We have a new identity. God graciously gives us new desires and longings that are good and pleasing, leading to life instead of death. We “belong to Christ Jesus,” and we no longer live life apart from God— in the “flesh.”

Instead of trying to do life our way, on our own terms, following our own passions and desires, we are filled with God’s Spirit. When we believe in Jesus, God puts His Spirit in us as a seal that we belong to Him (Ephesians 1:13). As we cooperate with the work of God’s Spirit in us, we are changed, becoming more like Jesus as we abide in Him.

We are encouraged to remember that we now “live by the Spirit,” and since we aren’t doing life in our strength or wisdom, we are to “keep in step with the Spirit” (v. 25). Daily we are to confess the ways we resist God’s work and help in our lives. We are to humbly ask the Holy Spirit to fill us, giving us the power and wisdom to accomplish all that is before us. After all, it is “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

What are you trying to accomplish by your own might, power, or strength? What are you trying to do in your home, work, ministry, or community that is missing God’s power and presence? He has promised to give us His strength. If we accomplish anything that truly matters for God, it will be in the strength He supplies through His Spirit.

Before you start your day today, rest and return to the right Source for drawing strength. I am confident you will find God sufficient!

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son on the cross, and for pouring out Your Spirit in my heart. Holy Spirit, fill me. Help me not to get ahead of You or lag behind, but always keep in step with You. Give me strength. Help me draw from Your well that never runs dry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What areas of your life are you pursuing in your own strength? What is one way you can begin to rely on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this devotion. It is excerpted with permission from Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus, copyright Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk.

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XO,

Ruth Schwenk