Numbers 14:1-4
Then all the people began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. 2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron. “We wish we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they wailed. 3 “Why is the LORD taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and little ones will be carried off as slaves! Let’s get out of here and return to Egypt!” 4 Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt!”
NLT
Have you ever been there? You KNOW that you KNOW that God has better things ahead for you, but sometimes your heart longs for the familiar. You beat your fist against your chest and cry “Why God, why?!” Egypt was comfortable! I knew my place in Egypt. I had a “system.” I knew each day what to expect. Egypt was wonderful for a season, but the season was over.
Egypt was not forever. Egypt didn’t offer freedom any longer. And when I really think about it, Egypt became just awful. I was at a point that I hated Egypt. I wanted out…but right now, all I can remember are the good times.
I have soooo been there!
Leadership requires us to make decisions to move forward and leave Egypt behind us, even though some of the voices around us, especially the ones in our head, are screaming for everything to get back to “normal.”
God “brings us out” to give us freedom, not to imprison us.
I have been in the transition of ministry and looked back at Egypt with the longing of a child for the security of a mother’s arms. You may have been there too, missing those people and the fun you used to have. You look at the new people God is bringing into your life, and you’re just not sure they are as wonderful as the ones in your past.
But long periods of gazing in the rear view mirror only serve to set us off course for our journey ahead.
Numbers 14:7-9 They said to the community of Israel, “The land we explored is a wonderful land! And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey, and he will give it to us! Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
NLT
If God is leading you in a new direction, trust Him. Don’t rebel, and don’t be afraid.
Your God is with you! He has new mountains for you to climb, new valleys to behold, and maybe, just maybe the giants will help you cling on to the Father even tighter. And what’s so bad about that?
Wonderfully wise thoughts, Sue. If we can only remember that we only see a tiny part of the whole, while God sees the entire picture. How arrogant of us to desire that which is not His desire for us. However, I’ve been so very guilty of doing just that thing.
Leah
[Translate]
me three, Leah. Glad we can encourage each other along the way.
[Translate]
BAM! You hit me square in the nose girl…love love love your insight, your heart and your amazing words today! Thanks so much for sharing! Love ya bunches, Mel <3
[Translate]
Absolutely. He will NEVER lead us wrong!
Thanks for this!
[Translate]
“But long periods of gazing in the rear view mirror only serve to set us off course for our journey ahead.”
So rich and insightful. This is wisdom straight from the Lord, sister. Thank you!
[Translate]
Fantastic post.
[Translate]
Love this post Sue. I am right where you are talking about. The road ahead is hard and the mountain top seems unattainable and there are times I long for the ministry I used to lead. But I know I must keep moving forward into the promise land. Not just for me but for the women God has put on this journey with me. Looking back can very well cause me to loose sight of the goal. I am reminded and encouraged!
Love you Sue!
Cherie <3
[Translate]
Sue,
) BUT, it’s a call to obedience when my flesh would long to, at times, leave this plant church and return to the familiar ways…go back to Egypt where while miserable, was comfortable….
I’ve got to tell you girlfriend that THIS met me where I am. I have recently been asked to “lead” the youth at our church, and while I love them, it’s not my FIRST passion…(you know what is!
“If God is leading you in a new direction, trust Him. Don’t rebel, and don’t be afraid.” You got me there!
It’s hard work. Ministry is indeed hard and it’s a calling on our hearts. Often the call is one to obedience not to the comfortable. As long as HE is leading, we’ve got to be open to joyful obedience…
What a blessing this was…thanks for writing it just for me!
[Translate]
Oh my. It was no “coincidence” for me to “stumbled upon” this blog! God led me here…and for this very reason! He is leading me into a new area of serving Him. I have been dealing with “longing for the comfort zones” BIG TIME! Thank you so much. This hit the nail on the head for me: “But long periods of gazing in the rear view mirror only serve to set us off course for our journey ahead.” My prayer is, “Keep me ON COURSE, Dear Holy Spirit.” I KNOW that I KNOW that He is going to do what is best…just got to trust Him. Thank you so much, and may God bless you in your ministry!
In Christ,
Tammi
[Translate]
Life is a constant march forward, and living by longingly looking in the rear view can prevent us from seeing the vista ahead. Sometimes the forward journey leads us into a tunnel along the road, and if it is a long tunnel, we have to have faith that there is light at the end of it, and just keep making forward progress. Thanks for the post
[Translate]
[...] When God Brings New Ministry – Ministry Counter [...]
[Translate]