Bible Study

Walking With God

Walking in step with the Lord means we live in close fellowship with Him. An intimate relationship with our heavenly Father is powerful, and it requires that we obey Him on a daily basis. This is how we grow in our ability to overcome difficulties, become more Christ-like, witness effectively, and resist temptation.

1. Cultivate an intimate relationship with God.
   
   We all know the importance of Bible reading and prayer. But sometimes diligent students of the Word can let their prayers and study consume all their time with God. To avoid that mistake, try to include opportunities for quiet reflection. Leave room for His Spirit to speak to your heart.
   
   If you have time, take a few minutes to sit quietly before the Lord, and ask Him to speak to you.
   
   
   • Is He saying anything about your life or His character?
     
     
   
   
   Also, seek to develop an awareness of God’s presence as you go about your day (Ps. 16:8-9). For instance, talk to Him as you commute to work or take a walk.
   
   
   • What are some other ways to remind yourself of the Lord’s constant presence?
     
     
     
2. Submit every area of your life to Him.
   
   To experience the fullness of God’s power, we must submit to Christ (James 4:6-7). If we withhold parts of our lives from Him, we will fail to be successful in those areas.
   
   
   • Is there an area of your life that you try to control apart from God’s help?
     
     
     
   • Write a prayer surrendering that area to the lordship of Christ. Ask God to give you the ability to live for Him.
     
     
     
   If you don’t feel ready to surrender this area to Christ, ask Him to change your heart and lead you to a point in which you would be willing to hand it over to Him.
   
   
3. Admit your weaknesses.
   
   When you face a difficult situation, you can pray, “Lord, I am too weak in my own strength to handle this situation. Please, fill me with Your power and enable me to do Your will.”
   
   
   • Why did the apostle Paul say he delighted in weaknesses and hardships (2 Corinthians 12:10)?
     
     
     
   • What are you facing that is more than you can handle? Admit this to the Lord and commit it to His care.
     
     
     
4. Believe His promises.
   
   In Ephesians, Paul told believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10). But how do we do that? We must choose to trust that God will be faithful to His Word. He has promised to empower us for righteous living.
   
   How can you increase your faith in God’s Word? Write down a verse that declares the Lord’s power, such as Colossians 1:29. Carry it around with you. When you are tempted to doubt that the Father wants to fill you with His power, say this verse out loud.
   
   
   • What happens when we hear the Word, according to Romans 10:17?
     
     
     
5. Step out in faith and obey.
   
   Obeying God often requires us to take action, even when we don’t know how He will deliver or help us. In other words, we need to act in faith (Heb. 11:1).
   
   For instance, suppose public speaking makes you feel anxious, but your pastor believes you would be a good Sunday school teacher. You might admit your weakness and pray for the Lord’s strength. But if you never get in front of the class and start talking, you won’t experience Him working through you in that area. Stepping out in obedience is a vital part of experiencing Christ’s power.
   
   
   • Is there anything God wants you to do? Ask Him for the strength to step out in faith and obey Him.

Closing: When we walk with God, we enjoy intimate fellowship with our heavenly Father. Draw near to God, obey Him, and watch the wonderful things He will do in your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the power available to me through a personal relationship with You. Please remind me that You desire complete dependence upon Your strength—not my own. Help me lead a victorious Christian life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Adapted from "Winning the War Within" (1988).