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By Eloise M. Patton
During college days, I ran all over campus. I remember thinking that walking was just too slow! But now, many years later, I need to greatly encourage myself just to go walking—in spite of knowing that walking is good for me.
Yes, walking is good for us! It is very beneficial for our bodies. Walking is important for gaining victory over an inactive lifestyle that can result in illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression and osteoporosis. It’s inexpensive and can be done alone or in the company of others.
The activity of walking also typifies our spiritual experience. Amazingly, God desires to walk with us. Did He not walk with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day? To the children of Israel journeying through the desert, He said, “I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people” (Lev. 26:12). The Apostle Paul quoted this verse in his epistle to the Corinthian church. (2 Cor. 6:16.) Consider the benefits of walking with God:
- Comfort: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Psa. 23:4). “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned” (Isa. 43:2). “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov. 18:10).
- Strength: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31).
- Freedom: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Psa. 119:32). “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (Psa. 119:45).
- Security: “They will never follow a stranger; they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (Jn.10:5).
- Encouragement: “Walk in all the ways that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess” (Deut. 5:33).
It is a privilege to walk with God and to bring His kingdom upon the earth. To do that we, as His Body, must walk together in this command, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19-20).
As you and I “walk” with God, He will bring souls to Himself, so they too may walk with Him and enjoy His benefits.
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