Walking Into Freedom With The Spirit

By Kimberlee Herbic

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. - Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

Can we pause for a moment before diving into today’s devotion? I want to take this opportunity to express how proud I am of you - yes, YOU. I’m proud of you for showing up here diligently, seeking to embrace the freedom God has in store for you. Great job! Your obedience and commitment are shaking things up in the spiritual realm, and I am encouraged to see God continue to empower and equip you through your faith and obedience, guiding you into the freedom and victory He has for you. 

In 2022, my life was profoundly impacted by the hand of God following a medical procedure. A precautionary procedure left me with unexpected news. I felt scared and overwhelmed as I left the surgery center with my husband that day. The next morning, I sat in our living room grappling with fear. To be honest, fear was winning the battle. I felt so out of control, battling the “what if” scenarios that replayed endlessly in my mind. Fear wrapped itself around my anxious thoughts…it was debilitating. God spoke to my heart that morning with two options: “Kimberlee, you can fight this fight in fear or in faith. You choose.”

Choosing to walk forward in faith, I bought myself a Bible that included footnotes. Whenever fear tried to take residence in my mind, I would read my Bible and its footnotes, as they made the text easier to understand and more relatable. Each time I sat down to read, I felt a sense of peace. As the weeks passed, God presented a television network that streamed Bible studies. Every morning, I would sit and listen to the women on this show discuss their faith and share their testimonies, I felt comforted. One particular episode taught me how to use the back of my Bible to look up scriptures that addressed the overwhelming emotions I was experiencing, which helped me speak back to fear—I was being equipped and empowered. I wrote scriptures down in a notebook and declared God's truth and promises against the work of the devil. Whenever I felt tempted to worry, I prayed. I memorized scripture and played it repeatedly on my phone as I slept each night, thanks to YouTube. Every day, I intentionally chose to stand in faith, pursuing the peace, comfort, and refuge that Jesus offers. 

What I didn’t realize during that time was that God was, in fact, leading me out of bondage and into the arms of Jesus…true freedom that can only be found in Him. God used this time to strengthen and prepare me for the calling He has placed on my life today, to share the Good News of Jesus and offer hope and the freedom found in Him, setting others free. 

God was faithful to walk with me through this fearful time and lead me into the presence of freedom as I steadily pursued Him. I believe He will do the same for you. God is a faithful God. He has been faithful, and He will be faithful again. Trust God and seek Him, and when you seek Him, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

How amazing it is that we serve a God who desires to be with us and walk alongside us always! God isn’t ashamed of us…He calls us chosen, loved, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, child, and friend. Choosing to walk with Jesus daily transforms us over time, changing how we respond, react, and love one another. We live from an overflow of God’s love.

I want to encourage you today, friend, to keep walking with the Spirit into the freedom that awaits you. Communicate with God every day in prayer. Strengthen your relationship with Jesus by reading the Bible each day. Get connected in Biblical Community, Connect Bible Studies, or small groups, where you can find encouragement, accountability, and love from others. Trust that God has good plans for you, plans to prosper you, give you hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He promises never to leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Keep walking with the Spirit; the finish line to freedom is near.

Challenge/Activity:

Read. Start by reading Galatians 5:22-23. These verses list the fruit that the Holy Spirit wants to cultivate in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Ask yourself: Which of these do I need more of right now?

Talk to God. As you walk, sit, and talk with Jesus, visit with Him as you would with a trusted friend—authentically and genuinely. Share with Him what you are thinking and how you are feeling. Invite Him into the areas where you feel stuck, tired, or in need of growth. Ask Him to shape you and cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit within you.

Breathe. Take a moment to notice your breathing. As you breathe in and out, listen to the rhythm of your breath. Let each breath be a quiet prayer and a reminder that the same God who freed His people from slavery is with you now, ready to walk with you into the freedom He has for you. 

Listen. Spend 10 or 15 minutes simply being still and listening. Listen to the quiet; pay attention to the sounds around you. What do you see, hear, feel, and smell? 

Pay attention to any thoughts, impressions, or nudges in your spirit. Allow God to speak to you as you walk or sit in His presence.