Practicing the Presence of God
by Katherine Kehler
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“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24).
I have been thinking about Enoch’s walk with God. What an incredible way to be remembered. I would like to be remembered that way.
Years ago, I read the book, Practicing the Presence of God and since then, I have often prayed that God would enable me to walk with Him like Enoch did.
I used to think that when God answered my prayer, I would be in a perpetual state of euphoria and contentment. I though problems of any kind would not bother me because I would automatically trust God as soon as the challenge came. No matter what came my way, I wouldn’t flinch. I would be content even when the workload seemed overwhelming. No matter what happened I would be able to say, as the apostle Paul did, “I have learned to be content in whatever state I am in.”
I have walked with God for many years, have had a lot of joy and fun (who wouldn’t, when married to a fun guy like Marvin) as well, I have had many challenges, many hard decisions to make, many times of deep hurt and pain. As I struggled, I was not always in a state of contentment. Sometimes I wondered why God didn’t answer my prayer and zap me with the grace to be in a continual state of contentment.
You know what? God was answering my prayer. Through the hardships in life, we are forced to trust God. The Apostle Paul said, “His strength is made perfect in my weakness.” God helps me to realize that I am weak and that I desperately need Him moment by moment. Strength, wisdom, insight, love, patience and knowledge all come from Him. I go to God many times a day because I just don’t have what I need.
Life isn’t soft and easy! If it was, we wouldn’t need God, would we? Through the circumstances He brings into our lives, we are forced to trust Him.
Years ago, our five-month-old grandson died suddenly. I hurt so badly, I thought I couldn’t bear it. A few days after his funeral I was sitting in the living room, reading the Bible. God directed me to 2 Corinthians 1:9. The Apostle Paul was writing about his problems and goes on to say,
“…but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God...and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope and He will continue to deliver us.” No matter what happens, God wants us to rely on Him. He will deliver us.
How about you? Do you have great challenges and heartaches today? God is in this. Rely on Him and He will continue to deliver you. He will give you the abundant life. (John 10:10) Walk with God.
God, thank You that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thank You for bringing problems into our lives so we are forced to rely on You. What sweet companionship we develop through it all. Amen.
TODAY's Thought: Daily Devotional 
