A great deal can be learned from the experiences of the Israelites. One thing we can learn is the importance of walking closely with God by faith. But not only did the children of Israel walk by faith to possess the Promised Land—they also walked with purpose.
Purpose
It’s important to keep your purpose in mind when walking with God. Many people claim to be walking by faith, but they’re just walking. They don’t have a clear vision of what God wants them to have or what He wants them to do.
The Israelites weren’t just walking. They had a divine purpose for every step they took. What was that purpose? It was to take what God said already belonged to them (Joshua 1:1–9).
We need to keep our focus and sense of purpose as we walk with God. Even in the natural, a person must have purpose before they can succeed. Everyone needs a goal that they desire to accomplish. That goal is what will keep a person going when the going gets rough. Without a sense of purpose—that vision or goal set before them—they’ll end up quitting during the hard times.
Hold Fast to Your Purpose
Your sense of God-given purpose will also give you the confidence needed to fulfill your goal. Whatever God tells you to do, you can do it with the knowledge that He is with you every step of the way.
No matter the situation, be confident that God is with you!
JOSHUA 1:5
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
When you begin the walk of faith, you have to have the same confidence Joshua had.
God said, “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” You must be confident of the victory before you ever start to attain it. Know that through Christ, you can do all things. Be confident in God’s Word and continue walking by faith when it looks as if nothing is happening.
The circumstances of life come to us all. And the circumstances may scream at you, “You won’t make it! You can’t accomplish this goal. You won’t make it through this trial. You don’t have the ability. Look at your symptoms. The doctor’s prognosis isn’t very good.” But when faced with those thoughts, hold on to your sense of purpose and have confidence that “all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23)!
Courage
Another ingredient to add to your close walk with God is courage.
JOSHUA 1:6–7 (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law . . . do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
It takes courage to walk with God by faith. It takes courage to move out into the unknown with His Word as your only support. When you can barely see a step in front of you, so to speak, simply take hold of the hand of the One Who sees everything clearly.
That’s what the children of Israel did in possessing their Promised Land. And that’s what you have to do if you want to possess the blessings God has already provided for you.
The reason so many people have never received anything from the Lord is that they’re afraid to step out and walk by faith to receive it. They are comfortable walking by sight rather than walking by something they can’t see or feel. But to receive from God, you need to have an attitude that says, “God’s Word is true. I believe it, and that settles it. I can receive what I need from Him.”
It would benefit you to say Philippians 4:13 regularly: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV). Then confidently and courageously go out and do what God’s Word says you can do.
Faith Demands Action
Many people are waiting for the power of God to overtake them so they can move out to stand against the devil. But that’s not how God works. The Bible says that when they do what pleases Him, whatever they put their hand to shall prosper (Deut. 23:20; Ps. 1:3).
Some may say, “But I’m not sure God will meet me when I step out.” That’s where meditation in the Word comes in. Meditating in God’s Word will bring them confidence in Him and that Word. They must be confident that God’s strength will come on them as they step out. Confidence in God’s Word and His power will make weakness a thing of the past.
God Is With You!
No matter the situation, be confident that God is with you! Some people only feel confident and courageous when they’re in a service where there is corporate faith. They feel good, they’re excited about the things of God, and their confidence soars. But they can overcome the tests and trials of life, not only when they feel good, but when they feel as low as the floor under their feet! Because God said He would never leave them or forsake them (Heb. 13:5).
All you need to do is believe and confess, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. I can accomplish this task through His power!”
Years ago a children’s book was written about “the little engine that could.” Faced with an overwhelming task, the little engine kept saying, “I think I can. I think I can.” And do you know what? He could! He accomplished that task because he believed he could. It is the same with us. It all comes back to what we believe.
If you will walk closely with God by faith, you will find that in Christ there is no defeat. Every blessing God has provided for you in Jesus is yours. Through meditating in God’s Word, you can have the courage and confidence to possess those promised blessings. They belong to you. You can walk in all of God’s fullness and enjoy success and victory!
Author
Kenneth W. Hagin
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One Comment on “Walking Closely With God”
Great message sir