We live in a day when it’s common to hear folks speak about the awful times in which we live. They do so for good reason– the times are awful! There is no doubt about that. But we must be careful that we don’t use this to excuse our failures. Tough times don’t exempt us from duty. The days are difficult but we are to press on regardless of the circumstances. Sadly more than a few fail. They feel their efforts are futile and they give up. If ever people needed encouragement it is now.
Have you ever thought about Enoch? The Bible says he “walked with God“. Now, that’s a tall order anytime, but he did so in the midst of a sinful generation, in the days before the flood when “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”( Gen. 6:5). “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence“- (Gen. 6:11. Yet Enoch walked with God and pleased God.
Enoch’s example proves that it is possible to live godly regardless of how ungodly the world is. We can take comfort in the fact that God has not changed. He is no different today than He has always been. His power has not diminished. His wisdom has not waned. His love has not faded. His faithfulness is to all generations. Enoch’s God is our God, and if he could walk with God so can we!
In times like these it is easy to become fearful, foolish, and frustrated. Not only is our heart vexed by living in such a sinful society, we get discouraged due to our own short-comings. Some give up all hope of living victoriously. They throw in the towel and resign themselves to a life of failure. I pray that you will not be among their number.
When I was a boy I loved a challenge and me and my buddies turned everything into competition.We did some really dangerous and stupid things. Sometimes we would get the idea to try something we wasn’t sure about, and it was common for someone to say, “You go first!”. In others words, “If you drown, I’ll know I can’t make it”, or “If it blows your hand off, I won’t try it”. However when the brave soul who took the challenge and succeeded it gave hope to the rest of us that we could do it also. Dear friend, others have accepted the challenge, gone before you and have succeeded (Heb.11) in walking with the Lord. You can do it! The example of Enoch ought to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Regardless of how rough the road, or how difficult the days, of how tough the trials, you have victory in Jesus! As Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”(Phil. 4:13)
