Get Moving!
One thing that is apparent to those who have been involved in any type of public project is that there are a number of attitudes. One attitude is that of a person who is trying to destroy the project. The second attitude is one that complains about the project. The final one we will consider is one that will seek to forward the project. When one examines the Bible it is clear that God will be with those who are seeking to do His will. (Romans 8:28) The will be obstacles from time to time. Satan will try and oppose us at every turn, but we can accomplish God’s will if we persevere. To illustrate the point of this lesson please consider Exodus 14:5-18. In this text the project under consideration is Israel leaving Egypt and traveling to Canaan. The one who seeks to destroy this project is Pharaoh. “And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.” (Exodus 14:5-9) Pharaoh decides that he shouldn’t have allowed the project to begin and determines to do whatever he can to stop the project. Violence is even considered to be an option. Too many times there are those who oppose the work of God. Sometimes this type of opposition will even come from within God’s camp. This type of destructive attitude is contrary to accomplishing the goals set forth by our Lord. In our text we also see the attitude of the complainer. “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” (Exodus 14:10-12) When adversity presented itself on the project those who were not dedicated to it faltered. Often times there are those who will start out supporting a project but will pull back when something doesn’t go according to plan. Remember, Satan will always oppose that which is good. Because of that we must not allow ourselves to become discouraged. Some of those under the care of Moses would have given up and become slaves to Pharaoh. Will you serve God or give up and serve Satan? Not proceeding with the project meant the goal would never be reached. The attitude for which we must strive is exemplified by Moses. “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:” (Exodus 14:13-15) Moses was told by God to instruct the people to go forward. Prayer is a powerful thing but there are times when God wants us to take action on a project. If the world is going to be evangelized it will be by men and not by prayer alone. Yes, we need God on our side but don’t forget we fight together with God, not hide behind God. We are to be active in the Kingdom of God. Let us fight the good fight and be rewarded by our master for moving forward instead of giving up. -Pete Ward Comments are closed.
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