During a recent quiet time, I came across this man named Enoch. We find him in Genesis 5 within the account of the ancestry from Adam to Noah. Each verse depicts the life of a man and the son to follow. It goes a little like this:

“Adam had a son named Seth, and he lived…Seth had a son named Enosh, and he lived…Enosh had a son named Kenan, and he lived…and so on until we come to Enoch.

“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God…” (Genesis 5:21-24)

This tells us that ‘after’ he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God the rest of his life (verse 22).

We don’t get any additional information about him until the New Testament Hall of Faith:

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: He could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)

Scripture reveals very little about this man named Enoch. But the little that is revealed is significant. In the Genesis account, we see there was a clear before and after—a passive and active tense of verb. He lived like every one else before he became a father. But after his son, Methuselah was born, he not only lived but walked faithfully with God.

Then, in the Hebrews account, we see how this was so pleasing to God that He didn’t allow Enoch to experience death!

Unable to shake the significance of this, I want to know what it means to walk faithfully with God.

It seems clear to me that there was a significant change ‘after’ his son was born. It was at this point, where he transitioned from a mundane state of passivity to a more active form of living by moving forward with focused direction.

I too, want to be a person who walks faithfully with God and seeks Him earnestly. So I looked back on my life to see my ‘after’ kind of moments. Incidences that set my feet on a different path and changed my field of view. Births of my children, deaths of family and friends, debilitating diagnosis’ were all significant events that caused me to narrow my focus and walk more in step with the Lord.

We all have significant ‘afters’ when life as we knew it before ceases to exist. And it’s in these moments of transition that we need help, hope, and wisdom to walk forward in faith. But, in order to do so, it will require us to walk closely with the Lord and seek Him earnestly. When done over time, we develop the consistency of faithful character.

The classroom of life is the ultimate test of character. Moment by moment, day by day, year by year we validate the constitution of our character. Character is consistency over time. Romans 5:3-4, “Not only so but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

There is a consciousness to character. Intentionality. Process. An evolution of practice that fosters progression. There is a confidence you can only achieve when you walk closely with the Lord—Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

There are things in our lives that cause us pause, challenge our status quo, and invite us to a new level of existence. These are the ‘after’ kind of moments that often signify a turning point, a potentially life-changing event requiring a decision, action, and commitment.

We have a choice, just like all the men listed in the lineage from Adam to Noah, whether we will live passive lives or go after it and walk wholeheartedly with God. Especially when we’d rather just exist in the merry mundane.

Although we don’t get much detail on Enoch, I believe he accepted the invitation to his big ‘after’. With his eyes fixed on the finish line, he was on mission to walk on purpose with God. While there’s still breath in our lungs we, also, have the opportunity to walk more consistently with God.

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

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. he guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

Let’s determine today to set our faces like flint; focused and intentional about our walk with the Lord. Sometimes it’s an exercise of putting one foot in front of the other, especially when we don’t feel like being faithful. Yet despite our indifference, when we do, we find there is power in the pilgrimage. Wisdom in the walk. Purpose in the ‘after’.

Reflect and Respond:

Take some time this week to talk to God about your walk. Character is a process—not about perfection, but consistency. Show up. Be present. Walk in faith.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed as you keep in step and practice a more consistent walk with God.