Winning by Walking

by Dr. Paul Chappell


"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."


Galatians 5:16


Your defense against the devil is your daily walk with God.


Many sports fans know the name of Jim Valvano. Etched in many minds is the sight of him running up
and down the court after his North Carolina State basketball team overcame many odds to win the NCAA
tournament in 1983. Although Jim was an experienced coach, and winner of many trophies, in June
1992, he found out he had bone cancer. Just a month later he learned the cancer was terminal.
Despite the painful treatments and the bleak outlook, Jimmy V spent the last year of his life
encouraging others in their battles with cancer and in life in general.


Less than two months before he died, Jim was honored at a sports awards program for his legacy on
the court and his work off the court. He was given a chance to speak and he used that time to
encourage others to live full, happy lives before their time was up. He talked of his foundation for
cancer research and hammered home the motto of the V Foundation-"Don't give up. Don't ever give up."


Many people face physical diseases, and many times to help raise money to beat those diseases
walkathons are held. These walks are scheduled to raise money and awareness to help beat the
proposed disease, project, or problem. While walkathons may help defeat diseases, notice a type of
"walkathon" that will help defeat spiritual diseases.


The Apostle Paul gave the Galatian Christians many encouragements and admonishments. One of the
admonitions is found in Galatians 5:16, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not
fulfil the lust of the flesh." These Christians faced false prophets, different doctrines, and
attacks on the basis of their faith. Paul's advice was that they walk in the Spirit so as to resist
their flesh's desire to stray from God.


Over the past few days we've seen the battle we face as Christians. The Christian life is a constant
battle against the devil's attacks. We must stand fast in the fight, yet how can we resist the
devil? How can we say "no" when everything around us tells us to say "yes"? In this world of
corruption, the only way to defeat fleshly desires is to have a spiritual walkathon.


"Walk in the Spirit." Your defense against the devil is your daily walk with God. Not only is time
with God necessary for growth and closeness to God, but it is necessary for strength to defeat the
devil's temptations.


How will you stand against an enemy who has spent thousands of years perfecting his battle plan
against Christians? How can you stand in the midst of a world that targets your weaknesses? "Walk in
the Spirit." Spending time in God's Word every day is vital to your spiritual survival. You must
seek God's strength, follow His guidance, and allow His Spirit to control you.


You cannot resist the devil on your own. As the saying goes, "Resistance is futile." Yet with God's
strength, and through walking with Him, you can defeat the devil and resist your flesh.


Take time to walk with God right now. Spend time with Him, submit yourself to His plan, and commit
to following Him today. Remember to spend time in your daily spiritual walkathon before you face the
day so that you'll have strength against the devil's attacks.