THE WALK OF FAITH

The Walk of Faith

Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

Enoch walked with God. He had a special relationship with God; it was so special in fact that he did not see death, at least not in the normal sense. When it was his time to leave this earth and enter into the presence of God, God took him away. His relationship with God was so special that God blessed him with a special “mini-rapture.” One millisecond he was here on the earth and in the next instant, he was in the presence of God. His body was never found because it was instantaneously changed into a glorified body and was taken to heaven. Enoch was blessed because he had chosen earlier in his life to walk in close intimacy with God.

How did he do it? First of all he responded to God’s call on his life. His response was a faith response. He had no idea of where God was going to lead him but he was willing to go. As he walked with God, God taught him the ways of righteousness and holiness. Enoch became a disciple; he became a follower of God and would be known by those around him as a man of God. God spoke to Enoch and Enoch lived as God instructed him. His talk matched his walk! God was preparing Enoch for eternity, just as He is preparing each of us when we choose to become His follower. God worked out His plan and purpose in Enoch’s life and He desires is to work out His plan and purpose in each of our lives as well.

Walking with the Lord is a challenge. It was not easy for Enoch to give God his undivided attention and surrender his will to God, but when he did, his life was changed. His worldly and flesh desires were replaced with the desires God had in mind for him. This transformation was not an easy thing to accomplish. And yet his willingness to submit himself to the leading of God led him into a more intimate, loving and knowing relationship with the God who had created him. The more faithful the walk, the more intimate the relationship becomes and the less we allow the world to creep in and replace our time with God. That was true in Enoch’s day just as it is today. Enoch chose to spend more and more time in God’s presence, and one day while the two were out walking God said to Enoch, “Enoch, let’s go home.” I can’t begin to imagine the joy that he would have felt as he heard God’s gracious invitation.

May I ask you a question for your reflection? Who are you intentionally walking with each day? Does your daily walk reflect your talk? I’d like to share a quick story with you. About fifteen years into our marriage, Eleanor and I were riding somewhere, I was driving and she was sitting in the passenger seat next to the window. She looked over at me and asked, “Why don’t we sit really close to each other like we used to? Remember when we were dating and after we first got married and before we had children?” My answer was, “Eleanor, I haven’t moved! I’m still siting where I always sit.” After a few seconds of reflection, we both broke out in laughter. She then said, “You’re right,” and moved over next to me. For years that space had gotten filled with kids, dogs, groceries, you name it. The things of life had moved in; not bad things, but even good things can keep you from the best place to be. If your walk is not as close as it once was, God hasn't moved. Maybe it’s time for you to move back. 

God loves you. Celebrate it and enjoy His presence. david