Go Forward

The country is a mess. The world is a mess. But believer do not lose heart.

Israel was in the same sinking boat. Their story was written for our sake that we should not lose hope.

It’s natural to feel afraid when all we see is Pharaoh’s horses and chariots chasing after our liberation.

But our God is supernatural.

Striking Egypt with locusts and lice, God singled his people out. Plundering privileged Egypt of their gold and silver, He supplied all Israel’s needs for the journey. Water stood as walls and blazing fire blocked their foes, yet they couldn’t see God in the heat of the battle. Couldn’t fathom the promised land. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” Their long-standing slavery felt easier, safer, surer than the unknown. Bondage can be so deep and blinding, you can assume mere survival must mean you’ve been doing something right. But you haven’t progressed, you’re still stressed, and the fear you started with hasn’t left. (I’m speaking to myself.)

When you grow up fearful over what has happen, and consequently what could happen, it may take more manna in the desert before you can trust what God says will happen.

♥

You know what I love about God’s words? They always prove true. They don’t boast some pride producing impairment like, Just Do You. That’s Satan’s strategy—posting new pinups, attractive slogans, and sweet-smelling distractions. Selling the latest refrain like it will fix the past and secure the future. Hastening after other gods only multiplies our sorrows. God’s command? God’s plan? Christ crucified—a Savior. One able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Who does not merely pump us up—but picks us up every time we cry. With outstretched arms our compassionate God takes us upon His mighty shoulders. Feeding us with wisdom and understanding—He upholds the way of His children. He can’t lie, won’t leave, and alwaysalwaysalways wins.

Don’t go back. Not after you’ve known God, or rather are known by Him. Don’t think for a millisecond that Egypt has the upper hand—when Christ conquered death with the palms of His.

Israel’s laws were written on stone until Jesus stood up and stepped over that stone. What’s the difference? Surer deliverance. Inner escape from our deadliest enemies. Egypt lost its power over us when the Holy Spirit poured Himself in us. We are MORE than conquerors through Him who loves us.

Do not be afraid. When we are saved by His majesty’s saving grace, we can choose to rub discouragement from our eyes and get a glimpse at the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Write on the tablet of your heart: the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed. Our hope is laid up for us in heaven, and the mess we face today—we shall one day see again no more forever.

Children of Israel, go forward.