Isaiah 40:31

I wonder what Abraham was thinking on his long walk to Moriah.

I learned that there are a few walking groups in the church. There is a group from the English Congregation that goes on weekly walks around the hiking trails on our island. They have walked the Rail Corridor, Rifle Range Nature Park and others. There is another group from the Mandarin Congregation who takes daily walks on East Coast Parkway. Pastor Rebecca Kwok enjoys walking at the MacRitchie Reservoir.

“Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I wonder what Abraham was thinking on his long walk to Moriah. God had asked him to go there with his son, Isaac. And it took Abraham 3 days before he arrived at the place where he would offer him as a sacrifice. During this time, many things must have crossed Abraham’s mind. And he must have struggled with the thought of having to lose his own son. But when he reached the place, he had resolved the issue. “Stay here with the donkey,” he instructed his servants. “The boy and I will go over there and worship; and then we will come back to you.” (Gen 22:5)
“We will come back to you.” Abraham did not expect to come back alone. He expected his son to be restored to him – somehow. I think the 3 days’ walk gave Abraham time to sort out his emotions, rein in his thoughts, and make peace with God. In short, Abraham was drawn closer to God during the 3 days walk. In his wisdom, God has sent Abraham on his long walk before he took the plunge of faith.
There are many health benefits to brisk walking as a physical exercise. Nonetheless, it is good for our souls as well, as seen from the story of Abraham. I encourage you to go on walks, either on your own or with others and use the time to speak and listen to the Lord. For the Bible says, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)