For the first time in a long while I am not in women’s group bible study. Usually, starting bible study is part of the “getting back into the normal routine” after summer. But this Fall I didn’t really feel like that is where God was calling me so I opted out. I didn’t really know what that meant but I went with it, trusting that He would provide for me the things that I love about being in group bible study. Low and behold He did! About the same time I signed up for Maximize Your Mornings I came across the bible study that goes along with the morning groups. Even though I’ve been a part of the groups before I didn’t know about the coinciding bible study at Do Not Depart. Sometimes I can be a little slow on the uptake. This Fall the bible study is Abiding Fruit, all about….you guessed it, spiritual fruit. We are 3 weeks into the study and I am loving it! Not only is it wonderfully written by Katie and Lara I know this is right where God wanted me.

In these last few weeks we have studied 3 different passages clearing showing me that I have a choice. And to me He has made it clear that there are two options:  either I am with Him or I am not. 

I can walk in the Spirit or chose to give into my sinful nature.

I can keep in step or run ahead and eventually get lost.

I can remain in Him and my joy will be complete or not and be cut off.

I can belong to Him or to myself, others, the world.

I can remain in Him and bear much fruit or not and wither away.

Yes, we have a choice and it seems pretty black and white. Option A or option B. It’s still hard though, isn’t it? I often feel like the author of Romans Paul who says “Why do I do exactly what I don’t want to do?!?”

Why do I chose my way over His?

Why do I lose my patience so easily with the demands and constant questions from little mouths?

Why do I lack self control when I am trying to teach those little people about self control?

Why do I fall into the trap of performing and pleasing others?

Why do I get so frustrated with my husband for something when I did the exact same thing yesterday?

So yes, we have a choice that seems so clear maybe even easy it is so clear. But no. It’s hard to follow on a day to day, moment by moment basis. My new awareness of how much and how often I need Him has brought me to my knees. I am so thankful He gets it, so thankful He gets me and so thankful that grace is plentiful. My new little chant that is often going through my head now is “keep in step”. Just keep moving toward Him, with Him, by Him. Keep in step. If you come in our kitchen you see these words written on a white board alongside my grocery list. I need these words in my head all the time.

How are you doing keeping in step these days?

Today I’m linking up with others who are sharing their thoughts about what they are learning. Click on over to Do Not Depart to hear more. Or even join us!