Born by the Savior, Growing by the Spirit
Pedal, then power, a quiet picture of relying on the Holy Spirit as the day climbs.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above by Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Galatians 5:16 says it simply. Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Miles Stanford helps me see the sweet order in this. New birth comes by relying on the Savior. Growth comes by relying on the Holy Spirit. The same faith that brought me into the family now carries me through the family room of everyday life.
I am grateful for how clear he is about the difference between position and condition. In Jesus, I am cleared before the Father because of the Cross. That is secure. Inside my soul, the Holy Spirit keeps growing me, not by scolding me, but by forming the life of the Lord within. He clears me from myself in real time, with patience and power.
He also reminds me that faith is about facts, not about chasing feelings. I do not drag God into my moment by emotion. By faith I step into His presence because my life is in His Son. The Father gladly keeps me in a path that requires faith, so that I keep in step with Him. It is not cruel. It is kind. It keeps me close.
So today I am encouraged to do the simple thing. Trust the Holy Spirit, again and again. Let Jesus be the Object of my attention. Walk, not by sight, but by faith in the One who lives in me. That is how fruit grows without white knuckles.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I remind you who you are. You were crucified with Christ, and you now live by faith in the Son of God. You died to sin, and you live to God in Him. There is no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus. I dwell in you, and I lead you as a child of God.
I call you to walk. Walk by the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the flesh. If you live by the Spirit, keep in step with Me. As you received the Lord Jesus by faith, so keep walking in Him, rooted and built up, established in faith with thanksgiving. Abide in Him, and you will bear much fruit, for apart from Him you can do nothing.
I fix your gaze. You walk by faith, not by sight. Faith is the assurance of what you hope for, the conviction of what you do not see. Set your mind on things above, where the risen Lord is seated. I strengthen you with power in the inner person so that Jesus dwells in your heart through faith.
I supply what you need. My divine power has granted to you everything for life and godliness. It is God who works in you to will and to work for His good pleasure. I am faithful. I called you, and I will surely do it.
Scripture references: Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6 to 11, Romans 8:1 to 4, Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:25, Colossians 2:6 to 7, John 15:4 to 5, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:1, Colossians 3:1 to 3, Ephesians 3:16 to 17, 2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Real-Life Analogy
An e-bike has pedal assist. You still pedal, but as you lean into it, a quiet power engages, and hills that once drained you become smooth and steady. Walking in the Spirit works like that. The indwelling Spirit of Jesus supplies the power as you trust Him, and the day moves forward without strain.
Try this today. Before you answer a difficult email, pause for two seconds and lean into trust. Say, Lord, I trust You to supply Your wisdom and gentleness through me as I write this reply. Then type at a human pace, expecting His life to shape your tone and choices.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that I was born from above through Your Son, and that I grow by Your Spirit. Thank You that in Jesus I am secure, and that the Spirit lives in me as my Helper and power. I receive this whole day as a place to walk by faith, not by sight. Lord, I trust You to keep me in step with Your Spirit in every conversation and decision.