March 23

Moving On, Moving In

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 42:6-11| Numbers 36:1 – Deuteronomy 1:46 | Luke 5:29 – 6:11 | Proverbs 11:24-26

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Numbers 36:1 – Deuteronomy 1:46

The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. [7] Break camp and advance into the hill country . . . go to all the neighboring peoples . . . [8] See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers–to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob–and to their descendants after them” (Deuteronomy 1:6-8 NIV).  

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut in our spiritual journey. We struggle again and again with the same things. We become content and complacent with the status quo. God is calling us, like his chosen people in this text, to move on from this place and move in to the Promised Land.

God has victories ahead. His plan for you is good. He is preparing the way for you to take possession of all that he has promised. You have wavered in doubt long enough. Now it is time to take the bold steps of faith that will enable you to enter into the land of promise.

What led to the time of wilderness wandering? For them it was doubt (lack of faith), grumbling (lack of contentment), and rebellion (lack of obedience). Those are common reasons for us to wander around aimlessly, without focus, without purpose, without victory.

Egypt was a place of bondage. The wilderness was a place of testing.  All of it had a purpose, of course, but God’s desire for them was the land of promise–the same is true for you.  A few steps of faith and obedience are all that separate you from the place of blessing. Move on, move in, and move up!

Lord God, help me to never get stuck in a rut in my relationship with you. Time in the wilderness is needed and is not lost on you—you use those times to bring growth and maturity. Now help me to step out in faith to the fullness of your blessing this day and in the days to come. With your help, I’m moving on, I’m moving up. Amen.