Pace Over Path
- The Narrow Path
- Aug 18, 2023
- 2 min read
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25, NIV).
I work as a physical therapist, and one of the things we use often to measure a patient’s level of stability, endurance, and strength is a 6 minute walk test.
I was recently completing this test with a gentleman who has some lower body issues from a long-term nerve injury. I found myself watching the path his feet were taking as he walked. Due to the weakness in his legs, he was, in a way, “all over the place.”
The most important measure is often their pace. If a person walks too slow, or too fast, they have an increased fall risk. As we worked to find the safest pace for him, I pulled out my phone to use my metronome app.
Though the repetitive sound can sometimes work my nerves, it worked like a charm! We toyed with the level of beats per minute until we found a number that worked for him to stay both safe and efficient while walking.
I began to think about the metronome in regard to the pace of my own life. Not just with physical walking, but rather in my walk with Jesus.
We often worry so much about the path we’re on–what we’re doing, where we’re headed, what’s around the next curve. While those are valuable questions to ponder, I think we must be mindful to measure our pace, and ask ourselves, “Am I walking in step with the Holy Spirit?”
Galatians 5:25 says: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Many times we find ourselves on a path we might not have imagined, but when we are allowing our lives to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can trust that we are exactly where the Lord wants us to be.
Maybe you still haven’t met someone. Maybe you still haven’t been able to get pregnant. Maybe you still haven’t gotten that job promotion. Maybe you still can’t afford to buy a house.
Life is hard. Sometimes I find myself thinking that I’m not where I’m “supposed to be.” Maybe you’ve felt that way before, too. That thinking is of the enemy. As followers of Jesus, we must allow the Holy Spirit to be our metronome.
What might that look like? Start with a few simple things: Pray and talk to Jesus. Spend a few minutes each day reading some verses of Scripture. Look and find our Father in the beautiful nature He created that is all around us.
Find a rhythm, figure out your pace, and trust that the Lord knows and is guiding your path, even when it doesn’t look like what you might have expected.
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