“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, “If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle.” Exodus 13:17-18 NIV
THE WILDERNESS
In the book of Exodus, we read of the great story of Israel coming out of their bondage and slavery to Egypt. Their years of bondage numbered 430 to the day (Exodus 12:41)! This is enough time to actually witness 3-4 generations of people all doing and reacting to the same narrative… do whatever needs to be done to avoid further punishment and dismay. This type of reinforced mindset can be very difficult to break out of. Nevertheless, everything changed in a day! When that change occurred, It was time to leave the old and venture out into what was instore from the Father above! The time of slavery was done, and the debilitating mindset that was ingrained into the Israelite people needed to be uprooted and left in Egypt as well!
Over the next several chapters of Exodus, We see that Moses was leading the people as the Lord directed him…by way of the wilderness! This is not the typical 21st century word to describe a densely wooded, uncharted territory. This is the biblical word to describe a dry and barren place…a desert. This is the place where old mindsets will wither and die while faith and dependance on Almighty God will be strengthened!
Like those bound in slavery, it will be easy to complain and grumble during the purging process. Nevertheless, God was with them and He sustained them and showed them His great and mighty powers! His grace was greater! His glory was greater! His goodness was greater! Let us all lean into the process needed for this time that is at hand!
“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” 2nd Corinthians 12:9 BSB
GREAT GRACE TO NAVIGATE THE UNKNOWN
I hear the Lord saying today, “My grace is upon you to navigate the unknown. This is a time to tap in and press into the leading of My Holy Spirit. He will guide you in all things concerning you and the circumstances around you! Trust what you are hearing in your spirit and tune out the noise around you! This process will reveal the path you are to take.”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
YIELDING
“Did I not feed the five thousand through the gift and offering of a boy’s lunch (John 6:9-13)? Yield to Me what is in your hand and what is precious to you. Watch and expect Me to multiply it! Allow Me to be your provider for I am your Jehovah Jireh! I am your good Father and I have abundance and treasures for you (Psalm 23). Lack and striving is not your portion! Those things are results of the curse, but I have redeemed you from the curse!“
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” Galatians 3:13 ERV
WALKING ON WATER
“I am calling you to step out of the boat in this season. By faith, you will walk on the water. You shall not sink as you keep your eyes on Me! Truly, what is impossible with man is easily possible with Me! I am your good shepherd and you will lack nothing (Psalm 23:1). Come into agreement with My words and with My heart for you. Rise to a new level of trust in Me and resist the urge to shrink back in fear and familiarity. Truly, you are birthing the new! The old and the new cannot coexist together! Old wineskins will not work in this season, for I am stretching your faith in this time. I will honor your faith as you boldly walk forward and take new ground with Me! I am expanding you and increasing you so that you can be a blessing to others. Truly it is a new day and a new season! Be bold, for I have called you by name and I have chosen you for this time!”, says the Lord of Hosts!
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV