Walking Closely with God

God never promised to bless a path He did not lead.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
(Exodus 33:14)

Many years ago, I was leading a small group of friends up a mountain trail. Partway through the climb, one of the women began to struggle and wanted to wait while the rest of us continued. Before I could respond, someone else spoke up and said, “We’re not going without you.” One by one, the group agreed. In that moment, reaching the summit mattered less than staying together. Sometimes the most important decision is not how far you go but whether you go together.

That truth matters even more in our spiritual lives. There are moments when we need to stop and say, “God, if You’re not going with me, then I’m not going either.” Yet Scripture shows us just how easily people can drift from God’s presence. After witnessing God’s mighty power in the book of Exodus, the Israelites slowly began slipping backward, choosing independence over intimacy. God told Moses that He would still lead them to the Promised Land, but His presence would not go with them. The promise would be fulfilled, but the intimacy was gone. That is a hard and humbling truth.

Many of us have walked closely with God in the past, but somewhere along the way, we chose to go our own way. We kept chasing opportunities, success, or comfort, assuming God would simply follow along. But God never promised to bless a path He did not lead. If you find yourself farther down the road than you planned, the way back is not regret, excuses, or religion. The way back is repentance, not just feeling sorry for what you have done but agreeing with God about your sin and turning your heart back toward Him.

Friend, are you willing to bow your heart and turn back if that is what it takes to walk with God again? God is not asking you to go farther; He is asking you to come closer. Today, let this be your prayer: “Lord, if You’re not going with me, I’m not going.”

Bold Step Challenge:
This week, take time to honestly examine your heart before God. Ask Him to reveal any area where you have chosen your way over His presence. Confess it, turn from it, and obey the Spirit promptly. Choose repentance that leads to restored intimacy with God.

Prayer:
Lord, I confess that too often I have kept moving without You. Forgive me for choosing my own way over Yours. Soften my heart, help me surrender all that I am, and lead me back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the sermon: series title here

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Ministry Update from Mark

What does it take to live a faith that stands firm when life gets hard—and continues to matter long after you’re gone? That question is at the heart of my new video series, Tenacious: Living a Faith That Outlives You. In this study through 2 Timothy, Paul’s final letter, I share biblical encouragement to help you live boldly for Christ, persevere in truth, and pass your faith on to the next generation.

Right now, you can watch a free sneak peek of the first four short videos, each with a simple discussion guide for personal use or to share with a friend. And coming soon is the full Tenacious Devotional Resource, an expanded study with reflection questions and practical tools to help you go deeper and finish strong. My prayer is that God will use this series to strengthen your faith and help you live tenaciously for Christ. Watch the free sneak peek now at moodyradio.org/tenacious.