Feeling fenced in. Up against a brick wall. Nowhere to turn. Each of these denotes being in a situation where difficulties or obstacles seem insurmountable. However, when it comes to pressing on in life while seeking God’s direction, let us remember how His power has been shown to provide a way despite the obstacles that may arise.
When the nation of Israel left Egypt to begin their journey under the leadership of Moses, they quickly found themselves facing an obstacle. With the Sea before them and Pharoah’s army behind them, the people were afraid and began to complain that it would have been better to have remained enslaved in Egypt. (Exodus 14:10-12) But we read. . .
“(13) And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. (14) The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”” (Exodus 14:13 ESV)
Then God told Moses to tell the people “to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15) Familiar with the account, we know the nation was safely led through the obstacle (the sea) on dry ground to the other side, while Pharoah’s army was defeated. (Exodus 14:21-31) With no way to go, God provided the way!
When it came time for Joshua to lead the nation of Israel into the land of Caanan, once again an obstacle was in front of them. Through God’s provision, the people would once again know that He was with them and would drive out the nations before them. (Joshua 3:10) Joshua continued where we read. . .
““(11) Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into the Jordan. (12) Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. (13) And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”” (Joshua 3:11-13 ESV)
Again, familiar with the account, we know God safely led the nation through the flooding (note Joshua 3:15) Jordan on dry ground into the promised land. (Joshua 3:14-17) They all went forward to pass over to the other side. God provided the way to move onward and into what He said He would provide.
Where God wants to lead, He is able to do so. In Christ we have been led out of the bondage of sin and are journeying toward the hope of an eternal promised land. In view of God’s track record, let us be encouraged to keep moving forward as we trust in the way that has been opened to us in Christ. As the writer of Hebrews encouraged. . .
“(19) We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (20) where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV)
For this hope, even death is not a barrier to keep us from entering into the holy of holies above! Let us continue looking to God to provide the way through life’s obstacles as we follow The Way (John 14:6) through whom we have been provided the pathway of coming to God. May we continue moving forward as we trust Him to provide for the journey onward and upward!
Have a great day MOVING FORWARD FOLLOWING GOD’S WAY!
Carl
