The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 NIV
Is there anything more important or significant than our daily walk with the Lord? Yet, getting started, whether our initial encounter or even our daily walk is often the most difficult part of our journey.
Check out what the Lord said next to Abraham:
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2 NIV
It couldn’t have been easy for Abraham to leave his home and former life, but after he pushed passed the pain of moving forward, the Lord rewarded him wonderfully. Many people we read about in the Bible had to struggle in the beginning of their walk. The key to their future success was to endure when it became hard.
Moses and the Israelites had to have great courage to endure the initial walk from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, and moving through the desert. And their initial walk was over 40 years!
It is written:
Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. The people are strong and tall—Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: “Who can stand up against the Anakites?” Deuteronomy 9:1-2 NIV
Having had to face many, seemingly more powerful armies, Moses and God’s chosen people had this promise:
“But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you.” Deuteronomy 9:3 NIV
God desires our daily walk with him, but does not promise there will not be difficulties. He simply says, “Follow me!”
Let’s consider another prominent biblical hero who had to endure prolific hardships in his initial walk.
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Acts 9:3-9 NIV
This is the first recorded meeting between the Apostle Paul (Saul) and Jesus. Paul had a unique and difficult beginning to his walk with Christ Jesus.
But towards the end of his walk, Paul writes:
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV
Paul endured and Paul was rewarded!
It may be this way for many of us, as we begin our walk with the Lord.
The key is to endure and continue walking, even if we encounter hardships and barriers early on.
We will be rewarded, the Lord has promised!
Praise Him!
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.