Walk

Enoch and God

Out of breath, he finally got to the fig tree, their meeting spot. He was terribly late. It had been an unusual, long, and challenging day for Enoch. His plow was severely damaged from the fallow ground that Jared, his father, asked him to cultivate. The work animals were acting up. He got stuck in the field without accomplishing much.

He dragged his lead-heavy legs, still hurting from much exertion. Earlier, Enoch dreaded he wouldn’t make it to their appointment. It had been a commitment and a habit for hundreds of years that he can’t do without. Where else can Enoch release his burdens for the day? And, who else could reset his mind, body, and spirit so that he feels eager to face life?

“I’ve been waiting for you,” the usual calming voice welcomed him.

Enoch felt relieved to hear His voice. As Enoch started to explain what happened, the voice interrupted, “I know, I was there with you. But once the sun is positioned in its usual place, I long for our conversations. Come on, let’s walk.”

Enoch’s weariness vanished with the warm breath he felt on his neck. Suddenly, incredible strength gripped him, and he was ready to walk with God for a million miles.
“Thanks for being there when that lion attacked me. You truly are my protector,” Enoch uttered between breaths.

“Of course, you know I never leave you nor forsake you. Your heart raced so fast you could have fainted. Fear is natural, but rest assured I’m with you always,” said the comforter.

“I know, but I was stressed even before that lion showed up. I was so annoyed earlier when my father asked me to work on that field,” Enoch confessed.

“Hmm… Tell me more,” the voice urged.
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The conversation got deeper. Enoch talked about his frustrations with his father, his child Methuselah, and his community. He showed God his blisters from the ruined plow and ranted about how his neighbor refused to help him fix it. Sandal straps that snapped, sunburn, joint pains, evil thoughts, hard labor, a broken spirit, and how their walk provides rest and respite – Enoch discussed it all with his Father.

“I enjoy listening to you. I’ll never get tired of your venting,” the voice sounded like God was smiling. They took a detour somewhere so God could show Enoch some of His creation – brooks, hidden trails, and even took him to patches of wild grapes when Enoch felt famished. God was a great storyteller. He explained how lilies and eagles are providentially cared for and don’t fend for themselves. And He repeatedly told Enoch how He loves Him unconditionally. Enoch was captivated and was lost in time.

After what seemed happy ever after, Enoch noticed a star setting to the west. It was almost dawn. He had walked with God for several hours.

“It’s really late. I need to get back home to my family,” Enoch said.

“Well, my home is closer to where we are right now. Why don’t you come home with me so we can continue our conversation?” asked God.

Enoch walked steadily with God. And then, one day, he was simply gone: God took him.
(Genesis 5:24 MSG)

(This story is inspired by Dr. Jay Vernon McGee)

My Walk With God

I walk and talk with God on the treadmill. The outdoors is ideal –that is, if I had physical vision. But to walk outdoors using a cane requires attention, and I enjoy giving my undivided attention when conversing with God. So the treadmill is my best bet.

Also, like most people, I, a blind person,  close my eyes when I pray. Sitting or lying in bed praying conditions my mind to sleep. Needless to say, I can’t sleep while walking, so I pray on my treadmill. On a side note, this is why I warn my husband not to pray while driving if he'll eventually close his eyes. It would be the shortest way to heaven.

Unfortunately, my treadmill broke in the last quarter of 2021, and so did my heart and prayer life. It wasn’t just an exercise machine. Its conveyor, a bridge on which I walk, allows me to cross from the natural to the spiritual world, where the eyes of my heart could see. I’m awed by my Creator, who’s grand enough to call the universe into existence, yet small enough to dwell in my heart. Who am I that He bothers to think about me? Or love me more than I can ever know? I keep His Words in my heart so I can draw strength and joy throughout the day. 

Whether my walk with God is long or short, it’s deep enough to impact my day.

When in deep conversation with God on the treadmill, my purple-colored room transforms into the open space of the heavens or the mountain ranges. We run, hike, fly, sit and rest together.

When my treadmill was defective, I tried praying while walking around the house. Being blind and unaware of my natural environment while praying, I would lose my bearing. I accidentally bumped into walls and sharp edges so my forehead looked like one big piece of bubble wrap.

Finally, my husband took pity and promised to get a treadmill that works for me.  After much research, my techy son recommended the model suited for my needs. We bought the treadmill at a Black Friday deal. It turned out to be so much better than my old machine.

I’m back to walking with God on the treadmill, a habit that has become a posture of life.

Has your prayer life changed the way you live?