Go Forward
Has God ever opened a door and you hesitated to go forward? I certainly have. A few days ago, God used a backyard visitor to remind me of some important truths about moving ahead.
I looked out my kitchen window and spotted it. A small eastern box turtle basked in the summer sun. I’d learned from my sister that turtles like cantaloupe, so I pulled out the leftover fruit from lunch. I cut several chunks into smaller pieces and hurried outside.
The turtle studied me with a brown-eyed gaze. I inched closer and scattered the cantaloupe in front of her. (According to what I’ve read, most brown-eyed box turtles are female. I named this one Tillie.) As soon as the fruit dropped in front of her, Tillie jerked her head into her shell and peered at me with those brown eyes.
“C’mon, Tillie,” I coaxed. “Dessert is right in front of you. Go forward.” I retreated a few steps while Tillie weighed her options.
A minute later, she stretched out her head and neck. While she surveyed the cantaloupe, a fly landed on her head. She used the claws on her front foot to brush the distraction away. Finally, she crawled forward and munched each piece of fruit.
Around thirty-five hundred years ago, the Israelites had their own options to weigh. At God’s command, Moses led the people out of bondage from Egypt, but now they stood trembling and crying out in the wilderness. The Red Sea stood in front of them while the Egyptians blocked them from behind. Panic seized them.
In the book of Exodus, we read “But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.” (Exodus 14:13-15 NASB)
The rest of Exodus 14 describes God’s magnificent deliverance of His people. He parts the Red Sea, and the Israelites cross on dry land.
Once the Israelites obeyed God’s command to go forward, they saw His power and majesty. When we go forward through the doors God opens, the same will be true for us. So why do we hesitate?
Sometimes, like Tillie, we fear coming out of the shell of our comfort zone. Taking the first step can be hard. But God is never out of His comfort zone. He is sovereign over all things. In Joshua 1:9, He says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NASB)
Other times, like with Tillie’s fly, distractions sidetrack us. But obedience matters. God revealed Himself to the Egyptians through the Israelites. He still shows His glory through His people today. Hebrews 12:1 states “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (NASB)
When God tells us to move ahead, I pray we will not stand still, fearful and distracted. May we trust Him and go forward.
Now it’s your turn! What door has God opened for you? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.
8 Comments
Katherine Pasour
As Tillie reminds us, those first steps toward the unknown are scary. Thank you for sharing this lesson, Kim. I’m still finding that the first steps in writing and marketing continue to be hard. There’s always a new challenge that we need to face, obstacles we need to overcome, and fears we need to conquer. Thanks for this encouraging message.
Kim
I agree, Katherine. Going forward with our writing and marketing is hard. I remember coming out of a marketing class at a conference so discouraged. Then in the next room Joshua 1:9 was stenciled on the wall. I needed the reminder that God is with us and will give us His strength! Blessings, my friend.
Katherine Rioux
God opened the door for me to work at my church.
I had been taking a back seat in church attendance for many years and finally made a commitment to become a member where I could serve and make new friends. I had been self employed for 40 years, my work career was winding down, and I was looking forward to retirement. Then my husband told me our church was looking for a secretary and he thought I would be perfect for the position. I just shrugged it off, never even gave it a second thought. I had even had an opportunity to work at another church the year prior and turned it down. I was quite content and comfortable in my protective shell yet I felt God had more for me. Just a few days after the conversation with my husband the Lord spoke to me in a still quiet voice that Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith! Then began a prayerful dialogue and searching the scriptures as I always do for clarity and confirmation. It became clear to me that the Lord was calling me to move forward! I am now graciously serving as secretary and administrative assistant to a wonderful pastoral staff and church family and I have never looked back! I love my new job and my church family and I give Jesus thanks and praise each day. I feel God has moved me forward into the job of my dreams, where I will continue to learn and grow and serve as long as the Lord allows!
Kim
What a beautiful testimony of moving forward, Kathy! Thank you for sharing your story. And your church family is glad you took the job!😊
Diana Derringer
What a fun way to introduce the point of moving forward. Thank you, Kim.
Kim
Thank you for reading and sharing, Diana! Blessings to you.
Joni
Great analogy, Kim. I appreciate this great post. And good reminder to look for ways God is giving opportunities.
Kim
Thank you for your comments, Joni. May God bless you in your writing!