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2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight. (NKJV)
The steps came at him faster than I could get to him.
My wife and I and our two oldest grandboys once visited Star Fort in Ninety Six, South Carolina, USA, the site of an American Revolutionary War battle. As we walked onto the battlefield, we were met by a small overlook tower. Our oldest grandson wanted to climb the steps to take a look. Since the steps weren't steep, I gave him the go-ahead.
When I finished giving him a rundown of the battle and answering his questions, he was ready to walk the trail across the battlefield — a little too ready. He forgot that he couldn't run down steps like he ran on level ground. Halfway down, he stumbled and fell face forward down several steps. I hollered for him to hold on as I tried to pick up my pace and rescue him.
Fortunately, he received only a wood burn. After a few minutes of crying, he was off to the next "clue" — as he called it — which told him more about the battle.
The apostle Paul walked by faith and said that all believers do as well. But I often have the same trouble that my grandson did. I want to run by faith when I need to slow down and walk. When I do, I fall down the steps and there is the potential for a number of things to happen.
When I run by faith, I get ahead of God — as Sarah and Abraham did when they tried to hurry up God's plan to give them a promised son.
Running by faith can cause me to outpace my spiritual maturity level. I may think that I'm ready for God's next assignment when actually I'm not.
Running by faith leads to overdependence on self. I forget that I need God in every detail of my life. I can't handle anything by myself without making a mess of it.
When I try to run by faith, I often fall into sin, disobedience, and manipulative behaviour — all actions that will interfere with God's guidance of my life.
Experiencing any of these hurts that come from trying to run by faith can make us bitter, angry, and frustrated — none of which will enhance our faith walk.
Let's not run by faith. Let's just settle for walking.
Prayer: Father, hold us closely as we walk with You by faith. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Prayer for Pastor Kristen: "Update December 2, 2024: Kirsten is not doing well. She will probably need to go on disability. She..." 
Amen Martin.
Wonderful message; thank you for sharing.
Blessings.
Thank you for this encouraging message.
Stay safe and God bless.
Martin,
Thank you for another practical and very important concept.
Thank you, Martin. Well put.
Apart from anything else I am getting too old to run.
Good afternoon Martin,
Good words about walking by faith, rather than running.
Blessings.
Thanks Martin. I really like your devotion this morning.
Keep up these submissions to our faith.
(Quebec)
Thank you, Martin, for sharing this terrific example the walking by faith instead of running ahead and stumbling! Your son’s tumble could have been so much worse! Thank God for angel’s arms! Blessings.
Good morning Martin
I can identify with this message for sure. Thankful I am learning more and more to wait for Him.
God bless.
Martin, I was sure you were the writer of this devotional as I read along.
You have a style that invites your readers to participate fully in the wisdom you are sharing.
Thanks for providing exactly what I need this day God has given me.
Dear Martin,
A very good lesson for us all to remember. I know that I am always wanting it on my time, and I have to be patient. Patience is learnable but it is also easily forgotten. Thanks for sharing a really good example to help me remember. Blessings.
Dear Mr. Whiles, I agree, the older I get(70) the more I see the wisdom of slowing down. While the world speeds up around us your advice is very timely and appreciated. I like the saying; “In the light of all eternity it probably won’t make a big difference.” Thank you for your reminder.
(On.)
Greetings Martin,
Good advice for us to follow in your devotional. Yes, we must “slow down” and accept God’s timing in our faith walk and not be rushing ahead and expecting things to be the way we want. God’s timing and plans for us are for the best results. Blessings for your very mindful writings.
Thank you for your message. It truly gave me pause and your message is one that I will try to recite to myself daily; “Walk, do not run, with your Heavenly Father.”
Blessings.
Helps me today, Martin. Grateful for the inspiration.