When You Walk Faster Than God

Act fast!

Are there areas of your life in which the world screams those two words into your ears?

Get into a relationship, fast. Get married, fast. Join that group, fast. Say that word, fast.

I know, most times, you want to trust God. You want to do His will. But waiting for Him to answer, to show you the how and where and when… It looks like a hard nut to crack.

And because you don’t even know how your “wait” will end, you’re tempted to take the step by yourself. I know what it’s like. Because we all experience this in different areas of our different lives.

About a week ago, I sat in front of a father figure as he drummed into my ears the need to act fast in one “sacred” area of my life. And I totally understand it. The spiritual, physical, emotional, biological… implications of acting fast – in man’s idea.

And you know what can slide into one’s heart at such times. Why not pick from the options you have and move forward? There’s no time. Or it seems God is not so interested in this area. Or like people say, “heaven helps those who help themselves.” (What a statement!)

And my heart wasn’t left out. Should I hold on to God’s promise and trust Him? Or should I pick from the options around me – NOW. But God’s word is full of lessons. It shows us the good, bad and ugly… from the life of those who have walked this road before us.

One man came to mind. Ok, his story came up as I listened to a sermon. I quickly grabbed my Bible, swept through different pages that told his story… And I saw how one step of walking faster than God put him, and the entire world, in a pot of soup we’re not yet out of.

And the bitter part was that this man had been waiting. He’s waited for so long. The answer was about to spring forth, before he took that dreaded step.

Let’s head to the Bible. You’ll see what that singular step resulted to, then I’ll share with you how you can walk step by step with God. Not ahead. Not far behind. But close. So you can see Jesus’ footprint and place your foot immediately.

The Encounter

Abraham. He’s the man we want to study. God called him out and promised to make of him a great nation in Genesis 12. He was 75 years old then. In Genesis 15, Abraham was still without a child, and his concern grew.

“And Abraham said, to me thou hast given no seed…” (Genesis 15:3).

And God assured him: “Look now towards heaven and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, so shall thy seed be.”

“And he believed the Lord…”

Genesis 15:5,6

Chapter 16 came, Abraham was 86 years, and no sign of the promised children. Sarah grew weary and suggested a plan B to Abraham. Without asking God, he agreed. And dived into the act. He went to bed with Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid, and the lady conceived immediately. Just an example of how the devil makes our “without God” actions appear “fruitful” and a “blessing” (All in disguise).

But was that conception really a blessing – the promised blessing? No. God’s blessings maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it. As you read down chapter 16 of Genesis, you see the tension and pain that conception brought.

Because, when you walk faster than God, you walk out of the narrow path and the nourishing plan He has in store for you, and walk into the broad path and belittling pattern of the devil. You can’t be in the middle. And like the Bible says, the thief cometh not but for to kill, to steal and to destroy… (John 10:10)

However, that’s not the end of the story. Jesus has come that He might give us life, and that abundantly.

Walking In His Steps

God didn’t give up on Abraham. In the next chapter, Genesis 17:

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

² And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

God called Abraham to retrace his steps. Walk before me – in my sight – and be thou perfect. And what was Abraham’s response?

 Verse 3: And Abram fell on his face… 

Repentance. Humility. Surrender.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

I imagine Abaraham singing this song of surrender:

I never thought I needed help before,
I thought that I could do things by myself.
Now I know I just can’t take it any more.
With a humble heart, on bended knee,
I’m beggin’ You, please, Help Me.

God heard and answered. He gave him the promised child, Isaac, and made him a father of many nations. Today, we read the bible and see the whole story, the full picture. Beginning to the end.

But Abraham didn’t. He just saw what each day brought. He didn’t see, with the natural eyes how everything will unfold. Taking one step each day, right beside God, that was what he learned to do. And it paid off.

That what you and I need to do to get to the end of our individual story and life’s journey with joy and immense fulfillment. Swimming in God’s promises. Trust God. One day at a time.

What It Means To Trust

The Bible tells us to:

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

At times, the word TRUST looks ambiguous… like… “God, I don’t really get it!”

Let me share a great explanation of that word I learnt from Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal of GirlDefined.

Turn away from worry, fear and anxiety. (Isaiah 41:10)

Remember who God is (Malachi 3:6)

Uplift God’s great name (1 Chronicles 29:11)

Surrender (Psalm 9:10)

Thanksgiving (Psalm 103:1)

You can write this out, paste where your eyes will always see it, and memorize the bible verses. Let it help you TRUST God more and more.

You’re getting close to the end of your journey. Don’t go off track!

Feel free to share with us in the comment section: What does a walk with God mean to you? And how can we learn to trust God more and more?

Remain Radiant!