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In a few weeks on September 23rd, my book about the life of Enoch will release. Scripture doesn’t tell us a lot about Enoch, other than he walked with God.(1) The writer of Hebrews gives us added insight by including him in the all-star list of men and women who walked by faith.(2) But the writer of Hebrews didn’t just include him randomly in that list. His life was listed in the verse just prior to the one that is used as the very definition of what it means to walk by faith:
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.(3)
Enoch was the first of only two individuals in history (the second being Elijah(4)) who never experienced physical death – because God “took” him.(5) Over the years, i have been inspired and challenged to walk with God in the way Enoch walked with Him. Bear in mind, Enoch NEVER had to ask God, “What do You want me to do, God?” Or “Where do You want me to go, God?” All he ever had to do was stay right by God’s side, going wherever God went, and doing whatever God did.
But as i wrote the book about his life, i became convicted that Enoch’s walk with God was not a slow leisurely cakewalk through paradise that we might have wrongly envisioned it to be. Enoch was chosen by God to be a prophet – bringing unpopular messages to a world that had become evil.(6) His walk with God was probably through some rough terrain, and some very trying circumstances. His walk with God by faith was anything but easy.
As a matter of fact, i am convinced that a walk with God will not be a leisurely stroll – at least most of the time. i believe, more often than not, it involves waiting with Him. It seems to us as if He is not moving; when in fact, He is working in ways we are not yet able to see. He is working based upon His perfect timing … and not according to our imperfect timetable. And at other times, it is a full-out run, empowered and enabled by His Holy Spirit, so we can keep up with His stride.
Years ago, our church was entering into a ministry to provide needed housing and support to women who found themselves in crisis as a result of an unplanned pregnancy. Some of the women chose to place their baby for adoption, and others chose to parent their baby. The goal of the ministry was to walk alongside them and provide assistance throughout their pregnancy as they made preparations for their post-birth plan. The Lord directed our church to a single family home that we believed would be the ideal physical environment for such a ministry.
But transforming a single family dwelling into a group home would require many city approvals from a permitting and licensing standpoint. We were advised to expect it to take many months to be able to gain the necessary approvals.
i will never forget the day i arrived at our city’s building and zoning offices to file the application to begin the process. When i explained to the clerk what i was there to do, she again reiterated the lengthy process we should expect. But after a few minutes, she told me i should speak with a particular official to get everything started. She doubted the individual would be available, but then she surprised me by not only directing me, but offering to take me, to that individual.
By God’s grace that individual was available. And over the next forty-five minutes, that official and the clerk accompanied me as we made our way to the offices of four other officials whose approval would also be required. Each one was in their office, though most were not expected to be so. And once they had added their approval, they too joined our growing entourage as we made our way to the other offices. Within just under an hour, i walked out of the office building with all of the approvals that were needed! i was simply running just to keep up with God!
Does God always choose to work that way? No, not necessarily. He works according to His timeframe to accomplish His purpose for His glory – and He knows all that is needed and the timing that is perfect. Our part is to walk … or run … with Him … just like Enoch did!
Years ago, i heard Dr. Charles Stanley say, “If God tells you to run your head through a brick wall, you start running and trust Him to make a hole in that wall.” The key is walking with God according to what He has said. Don’t try running into that brick wall without Him, because all you’ll end up with is a severe headache! But if God has told you to wait with Him, walk with Him, follow Him or run with Him, trust Him to make the way to bring it about.
It can be scary as you draw closer and closer to that brick wall. As i write this, my wife and i are running head-first toward a wall. A few years ago, we embarked on a “run” that we knew God had directed us to take through a promise in His Word, despite the obstacles that we knew loomed before us. Since then, He has continued to affirm His promise each day through His Word and in so many other ways. In our own strength and according to our own ability, overcoming the obstacles that lie before us still seems like an impossible task. But we are running toward that wall because we believe with all our hearts that is what God has directed us to do. And we are trusting that He will bring about that which He has promised … in His perfect timing … and in His perfect way.
You, too, may very well be at that place. You may be running full out, or you may currently be standing still, waiting on Him. Regardless, you are walking with God by faith and trusting Him for the outcome
The question before us is – do we trust Him at His word? And if so, are we willing to charge ahead … or wait … according to His word? Do we trust that when we arrive at our wall – whatever it is – He will make the opening? It won’t happen through our own ability. It won’t happen simply because we want it to happen. It will only happen if we are running with Him by faith, according to His direction … trusting Him at His word.
That’s what Enoch did!
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Just in case you are interested in learning more about my upcoming book, A Friend Called Enoch, you can find out more information on my website by CLICKING HERE. Or you can pre-order a copy on Amazon by CLICKING HERE.
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(1) Genesis 5:22
(2) Hebrews 11:5
(3) Hebrews 11:6
(4) 2 Kings 2:11
(5) Genesis 5:24
(6) Jude 14-15
Copyright © 2022 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.
Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash