Leaning on the Holy Spirit

by Macy Johnson

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

(1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)

My family likes to tease me. I’m a klutz.

When we are out together and come upon a curb in a parking lot, they become circus clowns, stumbling, bumbling over the tiny blob of raised cement.

It all started on a trip to Washington, DC, several years ago. Strolling through a restaurant parking lot, I tripped over a curb and clumsily danced in a circle to avoid falling. What a scene!

Walking my hilly neighborhood in the morning is a struggle. Hearing how I dreaded those intimidating ascents prompted my husband to suggest I try one of his hiking poles. What a difference it made to lean on the sturdy metal stick and easily navigate the hills. Walking was fun again!

So, this past Christmas I gifted myself with an official set of teal, Black Diamond walking sticks. Set at the recommended height, they embarked on their maiden voyage. Like cross-country skis glide through snow tracks on pavement, each pole in succession assisted me up and down the steep inclines. Neighbors peered out their windows and exclaimed, “Look! She is training for the Appalachian Trail!”

The Holy Spirit, my ever-present Trainer, is like my walking sticks. He provides balance and stability in every challenging situation. If I ignore him or let go I will inevitably stumble or trip up. Holding on to Jesus is the only way to successfully trek life’s pathways.

“The path of the upright is level;

O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.”

(Isaiah 26:7 NIV)

I will grab Jesus’ hand and boldly press on with Him today. I hope you will, too!