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Ninety-nine and Still Walking
written by James Dyet. Copyright 2007, James Dyet.
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless “ (Genesis 17:1).
Walking is a significant form of exercise. It improves our cardiovascular system, combats depression, reduces weight, and builds muscle tone. Also, it is affordable. We may have to purchase a comfortable pair of walking shoes occasionally, but we don’t have to buy any hard-to-assemble gym equipment or the kind you fold and store under a bed. Some seniors stride up and down shopping mall corridors before stores open. The location allows them to avoid bad weather, and the early time allows them to avoid shoppers.
But as we get older walking becomes more difficult. Some days just getting out of bed is a chore. When we start the day, our muscles and bones are about as limber as a steel beam. It takes awhile to get mobile. Abram, at age 99, must have felt stiff and sore, nevertheless he received a command from the Lord to walk. If you and I live to the ripe old age of 99 and can stand, we will be happy, won’t we? But if we can walk, we will be hilariously happy. Walking at 99 is an outstanding feat.
But the Lord commanded Abram to do more than walk. He told him to “be blameless.” This was a tall order, but for the most part Abram exercised the kind of faith in the Lord that enabled him to maintain a sterling reputation. He did slip, however, soon after receiving the command to walk before the Lord and be blameless. He laughed when the Lord told him his 89-year-old wife Sarah would give birth to a son (Genesis 17:15–17).
How would our faith survive under similar circumstances? Don’t worry; it isn’t going to happen. But can we trust the Lord to keep all the promises He has made to us in His Word? Will we walk before Him and be blameless?
What test of faith will you pass today?
“Lord, help me to walk by faith and to live in such a way that my reputation as a Christian will be beyond reproach.”
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