25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
My wife and I took some ballroom dancing lessons last year. We had a ball. We both struggled to work together to learn the steps. Then we had to do the correct steps when we were holding each other. Then we had to get the correct steps while holding each other in synch with the music. Then we had to do it in a room with other people without bumping into each other! You see, dancing involves many pieces that must all work together in order for it to be done correctly, let alone artistically. One of the surprising elements of ballroom dancing is that the woman is almost always traveling backward. She must not only take all directional cues from the man, but she must also allow him to be her eyes as she travels in an unseen path. The same is true of our walk in the Spirit. We must be sensitive to the smallest movements of the Spirit, guiding and directing our steps. We also must trust the Spirit to lead us in a good path, one which is safe and free of hidden tripping points. The Spirit has not desire for us to fall, and we won’t fall if we are being led by Him and trusting Him as we travel down an unfamiliar path. One of the tasks as my wife and I learned as we began is how I am to signal my intentions to her. The slight movement of my hand signaled what direction I wanted her to move. At first my signal would be missed as a signal. I was not very good at signaling. Then she had to learn to understand the signal and what it meant. Then she had to choose to obey the signal, trusting me that I would not lead her astray. My signals at the beginning were too strong and forceful, but as we grew together she was able to feel ever more subtle signals and respond. So it is with the Spirit. As we grow more in tune with His signals, His signals become more and more subtle as we respond more and more readily to His direction. I don’t need thunder and lightning for to hear the Spirit’s voice. Small inner promptings get me moving. Does the Spirit have to shout in order to get your attention, or are you close enough to hear a whisper?
The Arnold Journey 