That, being interpreted, goes something like this: Some of us are big kids now, and can’t call on Mommy or Daddy every time we get in trouble. Time to grow up. Time to make decisions based on the things we have been taught. And time to thank Dad for His perfect timing. And when the answer finally does come in, time to admit to Him that He had it right, and we’re so glad He counted us worthy to work it out.

The “principles” of the Word of God are being slighted a bit these days, as people with itching ears are looking for new ways to approach the Lord. For those who have never encountered Him, this is understandable and good. But for those in His School of Discipline, it can be frustrating to be told to “walk in the Spirit” as opposed to “read your Bible”.

These two methods are often set in opposition to one another, as though a man following godly principles is not a man of the Spirit. But because of the situation I described at the outset, the conscious knowledge of the intimate leading of the Lord may not always be available.

It’s not like He is not there. He is very much there, interested, watching, nudging. But there comes a time when He looks at a grown soul and says, “You’ve got to walk this out alone. I’ll be here, but you take the controls for awhile.”

No formulas work in reference to our walk with the Lord. Just when we thought we could depend on a miraculous word or intervention, we’re told, “You’re on your own.” And just when we thing being on our own is the only way, He lets us know that we desperately need the rest of the Body for insight and guidance too.

We take nothing for granted. In that sense we walk in and depend upon the Spirit. He leads us into many ways of forward progress, but usually not predictably so.

God is not calling us to be mystics (alone) or hermits (alone) or groupies (alone). Just to be His alone. To be response-able, able to respond to Him in any of the many ways He calls. Even technological man has found a myriad of devices for communicating. Seems like weekly we are hearing of a new thing we just must have. So let’s allow the Father to be varied in His communicative approaches too.

I remember some children who came into my (counselor’s) office and at the end of our time together I gave them some candy. Another adult who saw the transaction and the children’s response, said to them, “What do you say?”

“Can I have some more?” was the immediate rejoinder. Wrong response. But it didn’t make me angry. In fact it was kinda “cute.” With the Father, we may get it wrong occasionally, thinking He wants this when he wants that. But He’s committed to us and loves us so much. He’ll keep guiding with the right devices, and eventually we’ll catch on to what He is doing.