The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey . . . See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers . . .” Deuteronomy 1:6-8 (ESV)
The people of Israel had pitched their tents at the foot of Mount Sinai. God led them to this place where they stayed for nearly a year. In this place, they would receive the law, erect the tabernacle, and learn firsthand, about the holiness of God. The foot of Mount Sinai was a place of instruction. Now, it was time to move on.
Lately, I’ve been staying – or rather, staring – at the mountain in front of me. Perhaps I’m loathe to move on because my encampment has become familiar territory and my surroundings have developed into a comfort zone. Yet, lately, God has been telling me I’ve stayed – stared – long enough. It’s time to put the lessons He’s taught me into action. It’s time to move on. Because I cannot enter into all of His good promises as long as I remain here. This mountain is not my permanent destination – the promised land is.
Prayer: Lord, give me the strength and courage to move forward into your promises. Remind me of your constant presence and, when fear or doubt cause me to stumble, pick me up and carry me as a father carries his son, all the way until the moment I enter your presence for all of eternity. Amen.