In
my devotion today I read about the Crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-14:31)
and the Jordan River (Joshua 3:1-4:7). I thought about the many obstacles that
stand in our way to prevent us from entering into our rest and destiny. The
various obstacles we face each day can cripple us, make us hopeless,
discouraged and prevent us from living and fulfilling our life's purpose. At
the sight and/or in the middle of these obstacles it is easy to feel afraid,
dismayed and hopeless. After reading the above bible passages, I became
confident and hopeful that the Red Sea and the Jordan River must give way for
me to plunge into, move on and cross over to my destiny and that God must be
glorified in and through it all.
I
took note of the following:
1. God's Presence
Moving on in and being in the presence of God must be our number
one priority. In Exodus 33:15, Moses prayed to God, "If Your presence does
not go with us, do not send us up from here." Never venture into anything
unsure of God's presence.
When
the Israelites left Egypt, God was with them. By day, He went ahead of them in
a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire
to give them light. These pillars never left their place in front of the people
(Ex. 12:20-22). When they were crossing River Jordan, the Ark of Covenant
(God's presence) went ahead of them and the moment the priests carrying it put
their feet into the flooded river, the waters were cut off and they crossed over
to the other side on dry land (Josh. 3:14-17). There is something about
the Presence of God-it gives protection, guidance and victory.
2. Do not be afraid/dismayed
I hear theologians say that there are 365 bible verses that say
"do not fear." Well, personally I have not counted them but I have
read a number of them and I believe that indeed God has not given us a spirit
of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. When the Israelites lifted their
eyes and saw the chariots of Pharaoh marching after them, they were terrified
and cried out to the LORD. Ex. 14:13-14, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the
deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The
Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you
need only to be still.”
As long as you are in God's presence, you've
nothing to fear. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the
heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with
their surging, do not be afraid but be still and know that He is God. God is
with you and He is your fortress (psalm 46).
3. Do not forget His benefits
The Old-hymn, "Count your blessings name
them one by one..." Psalm 103:2 says, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and
forget not all his benefits." If you start to count you will discover
that God has been and is good to you all the time. Personally, I have tasted of
the Lord and I know that He is good. He has done me well. I am blessed. After
moving on and crossing over, do not forget His benefits. Praise Him, raise to
Him a memorial, an altar and worship Him. Honor and acknowledge Him. After
crossing the Red Sea, Miriam and Moses led the Israelites into a song and dance
for the YAHWEH (Ex. 15). In Josh 4, when they finished crossing the River
Jordan; they picked stones in the middle of the River to serve as a memorial
forever that God was with them and tasted His goodness and saw His power. Do
you have a song and a dance for the LORD? Do not forget His benefits.
The Red Sea and the Jordan River must give way for the child of
God to move on and cross over.
With love,
Kachel
powerful
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