In Step With the Spirit
Check out part of this recent note sent to all missionaries in our organizations from our president and consider how might apply to your situation:
“I had been running hard for a while, and suddenly, when I had space, exhaustion caught up with me. Along with it came some doubts and fears — an undercurrent that surprised me. I realized I had been living off momentum more than margin, pushing forward without always staying in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 tells us, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (NIV). Life in the Spirit is just that — life with Him. Not marching ahead of Him. Not lagging behind. Walking with Him. I saw clearly that I had drifted into a rhythm of striving. Trying to stay ahead of the pace. Especially as my second year in the role began, I felt that pull toward control — hyper-discipline, hyper-productivity — that quickly crowds out attentiveness.
The invitation from the Lord has been simple and kind: Stay in step with Me.
There are moments when that means slowing down, even when everything in us wants to speed up. It means being present over a fast pace and being attentive over efficiency, not because slowing down is virtuous in itself, but because we more easily meet with Him when we take time.
I have been reminded yet again that I don’t have to prove my worth before stepping back into His presence. He is not asking me to strive, but to abide. A marching band member who gets out of step doesn’t go sit on the sidelines, but quickly gets back in step. If I need to repent, I am able to do so quickly and get right back into the rhythm of walking in the Spirit.
One small, practical way this lesson on abiding has been taking shape for me is by guarding the first voices I listen to each day. I know myself well enough to know that if my phone is the first thing I reach for, I’m already late to the conversation that matters most. So I’ve been recommitting to a simple habit — Scripture before screen. It’s not dramatic, but it is something clear that re-centers me. It reminds me whose voice I want to shape my heart before the day begins making its demands.
I’ll leave you with these questions I’ve been sitting with myself:
What are the ways the Lord is inviting you — right now — to stay in step with Him?
Where might He be asking you to slow your pace, loosen your grip, or simply listen again? Where might He be asking you to take a step of faith, be obedient to what He is saying, or quicken your pace?
We get to walk in this life together with the Lord. If we get out of step, we get to keep returning — again and again — to the One who always welcomes us back into His rhythm of grace.
Grateful to serve alongside you.”
