Let's take a walk

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. –1 John 1:7 (NIV)

I enjoy a walk in the woods, especially in autumn. The weather isn’t cold yet, but it’s starting to get a bit crisp, especially in the early morning and again as the sun starts to set. The leaves are changing colors, and animals prepare for winter. I find those walks a good time to reflect. As I read the gospels, I picture Jesus at a walker’s pace, very much aware that He was on mission, yet somehow never getting in a hurry. Maybe that’s why I like this verse where John talks about walking. “Walking” sets the pace. It’s an idea that resonates with me – moving forward, toward my goal, but allowing time for detours and interruptions.

“In the light” tells us where to walk. I have a dear brother in Christ who likes to remind me, “Don’t run ahead of the light.” That is his encouragement to wait on God’s direction. We sometimes make our plans, set the wheels in motion, then ask God to bless our efforts, thinking we are doing the will of God, when we’re really just doing our own will in the name of God. So how do we truly seek God’s will?

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? –Luke 6:46 (NIV)

“Fellowship with one another” tells us who we’re walking with. God honors unified prayer. He never intended for us to walk this path alone. There are dozens of “one another” passages in Scripture. And there are many notable instances in the Bible, in history, and in our own experience where God has responded to the prayers of His people who were in agreement in their dependence on Him.

This is key when seeking and doing God’s will. On my own, I sometimes fall victim to paralysis by analysis, relying on the resources I currently know of, believing I need to understand how everything will be accomplished, too overwhelmed to take any step at all. I may even have doubts about whether the voice I am hearing is from God or whether I am rightly interpreting His response.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. –2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

When the Spirit begins to move in a community of God’s people, the direction becomes more clear. The journey isn't fully known or understood, else we’d miss the opportunity to grow our faith. But the next right step comes into focus, and taking it opens up new vistas for us to be delighted by what God shows us along the way.

For many, the pandemic provided a reason for fear. For others, it provided an excuse to dis-engage. As the situation has continued to linger and evolve, I find myself wondering what “normal” may eventually look like. For a variety of reasons, the walk looks different for many than it did a couple years ago. Our mission remains the same: Carry Christ to the world. Keep walking. In the light. In fellowship with one another. We have prayed for revival. We have prayed for unity. I’m thinking those two things are probably related. Can we raise a unified prayer that we are wise enough to see where God is working and bold enough to join Him in that work?

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. –1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)