Walking Closely with God: A Devotional Reflection ~~

A Life So Close to God You Already Know the Answer ~~

This past week, I had the incredible blessing of reconnecting with my dearest and oldest friend, Stephanie, and a mutual friend from our youth, Christi-Le, whom we hadn’t seen in decades. Our 2.5-hour lunch felt like mere minutes as we laughed, cried, and marveled at the goodness of God. We picked up right where we left off—as if no time had passed—united not just by memory, but by the continued faithfulness of God in each of our lives.

What struck me most was this: our parents had been close friends for over 70 years. Their legacy of faith was the soil on which our own friendships had taken root. We sat there, three women who had weathered life’s storms, still basking in the glory of God—because of seeds planted long before we were born. What a reminder that faithfulness today may very well be the foundation of someone else’s blessing tomorrow.

Faithfulness today may very well be the foundation of someone else’s blessing tomorrow.

During one of our much laughter-laced, tear-tinged conversations, Christi-Le shared a story about her father, Jack. He’d faced a significant health issue, and the doctors recommended surgery, but given his advanced age, the family gathered to weigh the risks and options.

Then Jack matter-of-factly, offered his perspective: “I don’t think the Lord would be pleased if there was a solution, and we didn’t at least try. If I were to die on the operating table… well… what difference does it make?”

His words landed with weight. Not in despair, but in hope. In peace. He wasn’t afraid—he knew where he was going. He had walked closely with God for so long that the fear of death held no power over him. Jack wasn’t making a rash decision. He was simply confident in the nearness of his Savior.

Stephanie, with tears in her eyes, remarked, “He could answer that way so quickly because he walked in constant communion with the Lord. He didn’t need to stop and ask what God thought—he already knew.”

My response:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27 (NIV)

I realized, with a twinge of conviction, that I might not have responded the same way. I might have hesitated, sought a confirmation, or doubted the peace in my heart. But Jack’s life reminded me of the walk I want: a life so in tune with God that when a question arises, I already know the answer—not because I’m wise, but because I’ve been listening to the Shepherd’s voice all along.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 25:14 (NLT), “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” We cultivate friendship with God through reverence, intimacy, and consistent time in His presence. Jack didn’t arrive at that kind of confidence overnight—it was the fruit of years of faithfulness.

David Platt once said, “The goal of the disciple is not just to know more about Jesus, but to know Jesus more.”

Jack knew Jesus more. And it showed.

Your Response:

What about you? Would you know how to answer in a moment of crisis? Are you walking closely enough with the Lord that His voice is familiar… even in the storm?

I’m challenged today—not to try harder, but to draw nearer. To prioritize time in God’s Word, to speak with Him continually, and to rest in the assurance that He leads those who listen.

I’m challenged today—not to try harder, but to draw nearer. To prioritize time in God’s Word, to speak with Him continually, and to rest in the assurance that He leads those who listen.

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Friend, let us not wait for a crisis to cultivate a close walk with our Savior. Let’s do it now. So when the hard questions come, we can answer not with fear or confusion, but with peace rooted in unwavering trust.

Want to See This Kind of Faith in Action?

If you were encouraged by Jack’s story and long to witness what it looks like to walk so closely with Jesus you recognize His leading without needing to hear His audible voice—then let me introduce you to Grammie.

In Desire of My Heart, the first book in my Discerning God’s Best series, Grammie embodies the kind of steady, Spirit-led faith we talked about today. She doesn’t just believe in God—she walks with Him. Her wisdom, grounded in Scripture and seasoned with grace, offers a powerful example of what it means to commune daily with the Lord.

Grammie’s quiet strength and unwavering trust will inspire you to deepen your own relationship with Jesus—so that when life presents hard choices, your heart will already know the direction He’s leading.

👉 Start your journey with Desire of My Heart today—available on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback. Also available in audiobook format.

Let the story remind you that God still speaks—and that walking closely with Him is not only possible, it’s the very best way to live.

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