Can I Walk with God in a World That Hates Him?
We all have an inner desire that keeps pushing us toward something higher and better, whether we realize it or not. That calling is what draws us closer to God and our heavenly father. Yet this journey isn’t always easy: as children of God, most of us struggle in one way or another with understanding the path towards righteousness and living a life of obedience to His will. This blog post speaks directly to those who are seeking clarity on how they can walk with the Lord in their everyday lives - encouraging church members, parents, and students alike to look closely at themselves; examining their hearts for insight and direction as they strive towards deepening their relationship with Almighty God. Together we will explore practical ways you can start walking closer each day alongside our Heavenly Father as He gently guides us through even the toughest times ahead!
In Genesis 6:8 we read, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” And later in verse 9 we read, “Noah walked with God.” In contrast to the rest of the world at the time whom the Bible describes as “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gene. 6:5), Noah walked against the grain of pride, selfishness, and depravity. Was it easy? I don’t imagine it was easy, not fun. Walking with God when the world around you not only goes in the other direction but tries to make it as difficult as possible for you to follow God is not easy. As we observe from this short description of Noah’s life and character, walking with God is not easy, it takes faith and obedience. When God told Noah to build a giant boat in the middle of a forest, I don’t imagine it was easy or fun. But in his faith and obedience, Noah experienced the fullness of God’s blessings, both earthly and eternal.
Like Noah, you too can learn to walk with God, through Jesus, and experience the fullness of both earthly and eternal blessings. Noah had faith in God because he walked with God. One of the most important things you can do in your relationship with God is to spend time with him daily through Bible intake and prayer. And like Noah, as you increase in your time with God, your faith in God’s goodness will also increase. Second, as you grow in faith in God’s goodness, I want to encourage you to apply that faith in obedience. Take God’s word seriously and apply it to your life. Will this be easy? Will your friends and coworkers always understand the decisions you make? No, but as you continue to obey, you will see God’s goodness in your life and you will experience the deep sense of joy that comes from intimately walking with Jesus.
Take God’s word seriously and apply it to your life.
Though it is not easy, walking with God is a privilege and blessing. It requires faith and obedience, but the rewards are great. We see this in Noah's life. Even though the world around him was filled with sin and rebellion, Noah chose to walk with God. And because of that, he was blessed. He experienced salvation from the flood and was given a new beginning. As Christians, we also have been given a new beginning through Jesus Christ. When we walk with Him in faith and obedience, we experience His forgiveness and blessings as well. Won't you choose to walk with God today?
Questions to Consider
1. What does it look like to walk with God?
2. What are the benefits of walking with God?
3. How can I encourage others to walk with God?
In His Grace,
Brad Delaughter