Walking with God

exercise + heroes + fellowship

Feb 06, 2024

These words are my creation minus the mechanics of artificial intelligence (AI). You are welcome here!

There was a time when I enjoyed walking for exercise. When we moved to our current home, I was excited about the prospect of daily walks through the neighborhood. Where we lived before, there were no sidewalks, and it was not the safest place for a woman walking alone.

We moved in the fall (basically, another 2-3 months of summer in Oklahoma). I jumped right into a routine of walking outdoors, listening to worship music in my ears, and getting in my daily steps. Then, my feet started to bother me. I tried several pairs of walking shoes and would get temporary relief, but the pain always returned.

Someone mentioned that a treadmill was sometimes easier on the body, so I saved my money and bought a moderately priced treadmill. I walked while listening to music or reading on my device. Then, my knees and ankles got old. Nothing helped this latest ailment, and I was forced to give up walking. Our daughter inherited the treadmill.

Most evenings, you’ll now find me taking a spin on my stationary bike while reading, listening, or watching television. It’s different from walking, but I’ve learned to enjoy my evening bike ride.

What’s your exercise of choice? Riding. Walking. Shopping. Snacking. I’m fairly good at that last one, myself.

What about walking with God?

I’ve had a season or two when I’m not sure I would have answered that question sincerely. Most of us go through seasons when we are not holding up our end of the relationship—hesitating to walk fully with Him.

The Bible tells of men and women who fell into the same category. Scripture also provides us with stories of many who did walk with God and He with them.

Think of Adam & Eve, who, when the cool evening breezes were blowing…heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. Imagine the peace and splendor of knowing God in this setting. God’s presence walked among His creation—before the relationship was broken by the sins of disobedience. (Gen. 3.8)

There was Enoch (Adam’s great-great-great-great grandson). He lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Most of us are familiar with Noah’s story. Scripture says he was the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. (Gen. 5.23-24; 6.9)

Notice how relationship and fellowship were key to walking with God in the lives of these heroes of the faith.

As a result of his faith and obedience, Abraham was reminded of God’s great promise when He said to him, “Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” (Gen. 13.17)

We find women in the Bible who walked with God, as well. I love the story of Isaac and Rebekah, where we see her obedience in what must have been a frightening situation. Yet, she asked the servant, “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” And he replied, “It is my master.” Both Isaac and Rebekah were walking in Godly obedience. (Gen. 24.65)

This scene of Isaac and Rebekah walking is the picture of a Master to come who would call us to walk with Him. Now, this is not allegory (abstract ideas or symbolism). The Old Testament narratives had significant meaning for their original hearers and the primary characters in the narratives.1 Keep this in mind as you read, and let the Holy Spirit reveal how He was working then—and now.

Throughout his life, Jacob was a man who chose to walk with God. He spent over twenty years working for his deceiving Uncle Laban. There was the stress of having two wives who were also sisters, Leah and Rachel. He lived in fear of his brother Esau and had to deal with the mess of his sons’ attack on Shechem in retaliation for their sister being raped. (Yes, Jacob had a lot of family stuff going on.)

Still, he remained faithful to walking with the Lord. Notice Jacob’s words when, at the end of all these things, God told him to pull up stakes and move again.

Jacob said…Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone [walked]. Gen. 35.1-3

And we cannot overlook the children of Israel. During their wilderness wanderings, they were blessed to be led by a living God who was going [walking] before them in a pillar of cloud by day…and in a pillar of fire by night… The people repeatedly disobeyed God, yet, in His kindness, He continued to walk with them. (Exo. 13.21-22)

Remember Elijah, who walked so diligently with God that a whirlwind carried him to heaven. And Samuel, who as a boy was growing [walking] in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men. (2 Kings 2.11; 1 Sam. 2.26)

One of my favorite Bible verses on walking is the words of God promising I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. (Lev. 26.12) Yahweh walked with them in the ancient days, and after time had passed, He came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ, walking among those willing to receive Him as teacher, friend, and Savior.

What does walking with God look like?

In his book Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge says, “Here’s the secret: The secret place is where we develop a walking relationship with God.”2 This secret place is where we make time for prayer, Bible reading, and waiting on the Lord. It’s here the walking relationship is forged, helping to establish us in faith and our relationship with Him.

As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith… Colossians 2.6-7

What say you, friend?

This year, will you be found walking with God? It is a walk that builds faith, bringing peace, joy, and life to our souls.

Whether we go walking, riding, or crawling (if you must), let us commit to going always in fellowship with Him.