Joshua 5:6, “For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.”

It’s a familiar story.

God used Moses to deliver the children of Israel. They left Egypt and wandered the wilderness for 40 years. Keep in mind, normally the journey should have only taken 11 days.

Why did it take the Israelites so long? Disobedience – complaining, distrust, and the like. But despite everything they did wrong, God was still good to them. Think about it – their clothes and shoes never wore out. They were guided by a cloud during the day, and a pillar of fire at night. They were fed manna and given water daily. Circumstances many not have been what they wanted, but they did have what they needed.

In spite of it all, God was still in control.

There was life in the desert! The people multiplied. The original crew that left Egypt with Moses, those who also guilty of murmuring and complaining – all died in the desert. But the promise was still alive, it was still in process, and it was for God’s chosen people.

They were unable to look beyond we’re they came from to where God promised to take them. They were unwilling to let go of what they knew – the life of a slave, and to embrace the promise. A free life

Can you imagine, thinking it would be better to stay in Egypt, and eventually die there? Rather than embrace a life without an evil taskmaster. A people who cared nothing about you? Who treated you with cruelty everyday?

It is one of the enemy’s biggest tricks to have us believe the routine of bondage is better that the uncertainty of freedom!

Freedom has it’s own responsibility and takes work. You have to diligently work at maintaining it.

– You must walk in obedience to God by faith.

– You must be faithful to the call.

– You must believe God!

But if you can walk in obedience and remain faithful to God, there is nothing he will withhold from you!

That is the blessing of obedience!

It’s Time to Move Forward!

Take a look at your self. Is God trying to move you forward? Or are you resisting the pull?

Hear God. Follow what he is saying and where he is leading you!

Your situation may be a little uncomfortable, and you may even be a little bit afraid. But don’t allow that to push you into disobedience, murmuring or complaining. God cannot work or move where your unbelief is in charge and unchecked.

God has sustained you this far.

He has supplied your needs in your personal desert.

Do not follow the example of the children of Egypt. Don’t allow fear of the unknown cause you to miss out on your promised land. Do not die in the desert with a mind that is programmed to accept bondage

You can handle freedom and flourish!

You can possess your promise land!

You must move forward!

Are you guilty of unbelief?

Have you murmured and complained about what God is doing in your life?

Repent. Ask God to forgive you and get back in line with his will. God responds to your sincere plea, and is willing to put you back in good standing (righteousness). Then, walk by faith. Do the work.

Trust what God says and embrace liberty! Go and possess your promised land!