Moving Forward

Change is hard. The older we get, the harder it is for us to change. You may not admit it, because admitting it, is admitting a weakness. Take a minute and think about your life. What has changed within the last year? Did you initiate that change? Was it forced on you? Or did it just gradually happen? We get comfortable with where we are at in life. Routines are great and comfortable, but can prevent us from moving forward into the things we are supposed to accomplish.

Take another look at the 1st Generation of Israelite, (Numbers 13-14), they were unable to move forward into the Promise Land because they had gotten comfortable with being in the desert. They even had a longing to go back to Egypt because it didn't seem as bad as it once did. (Kind of like a desire to go back to your crazy ex-girlfriend because you have sort of forgotten how crazy she was after being away from her for a while.) As a result the First Generation of Israelites never entered the Promise Land.

They had found Freedom through following God out of slavery. They were afraid of moving forward into total Fulfillment because they would face a challenge in entering the Promise Land. They were content with just Surviving in the Desert, but God wanted them to Thrive in the Promise Land. If God has freed you through Salvation in Jesus Christ, are you wandering in your Freedom or are you living Fulfilled in what He is calling you to?

The Second Generation learned from their parents and grandparents and had a desire to move forward at any cost (Joshua 1-3). Once the First Generation had wandered to death, the Second Generation had their chance and this is their response:

"We will do whatever you command us, and we will go where you send us. We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death." ~Joshua 1:16-18

From that day the Israelite continued to Move Forward into the Promise Land and received what God had wanted to give to the First Generation. I believe the Second Generation was able to Move Forward because:

1. They Looked Forward
Not once did they mention returning to Egypt or staying in the Wilderness. They wanted to move forward. When we are constantly looking back to where we were or down at where we are at, we cannot move forward. If we try, we will go off the path or injure ourselves. Your  past successes can hold you back as much as your failures. We keep trying to relive the glory days and become unable to move forward. That's why one hit wonders, only have one hit. Jesus says that a man who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom.  It's okay to glance back and around you to stay on course, but don't let it become your focal point. Are you looking ahead or do you keep looking back?

2. They didn't let the problem overshadow the Promise.
In order to enter the Promise Land the Second Generation had to cross the Jordan River at flood level. It was overflowing at the banks. God had told them to walk into the river and stop there, He would stop the river from flowing, and they would walk across on dry ground. They believed and proceeded. God promised the First Generation that He would give them the land. They saw the giants and cities of the land and were afraid to move forward. They allowed the problem to overshadow the promise. Is fear of the problem holding you back or is faith in God's promise propelling you forward?

3.)They trusted God with the first step even though they couldn't see it and it didn't make sense.
It doesn't make sense to walk into a river that is flooded. They couldn't see where they were stepping, and it's dangerous. The Second Generation trusted God's plan and took the first step. When they did the water stopped flowing, and He made their path across the river clear. They could see the next step and the next one. God could have stopped the river while they stood on the banks. But He wanted them to trust Him completely. Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust God more than ourselves and seek him in all that we do. When we do that He makes the path clear for us. What first step is God bringing you take? Trust Him and take it.

You may be free in your relationship with Jesus. God wants so much for you than that. He wants to move you into your Promise Land. But He will leave it up to you whether or not you Move Forward or Wander in the Wilderness.