The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Putting Faith into Action

Tom Graves

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May 9, 2026

Putting faith into action is a significant step for believers because it demonstrates our faith is genuine. After Moses’ death, the Lord told Joshua, Moses’ assistant, that Moses was dead and it was time for him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan into the land He would give them. During this crucial moment, Joshua might have hesitated or made excuses, but empowered by the Lord’s encouragement and strength, he quickly put his faith into action.

Joshua 1:10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.” [1] On our faith journey, we frequently seek guidance and clarity regarding God’s plans for us. We want to obey and act, but often find ourselves indecisive and uncertain. Yet, a vital principle to hold onto is trust. Believing God’s plan is crucial and empowering, as demonstrated by Joshua’s leadership of the Israelites.

A Call to Trust

Central to following God’s plan is the call to trust. Trusting God involves surrendering our personal plans and accepting His perfect will. It means letting go of control and trusting that His plans surpass anything we can envision. Such trust calls for faith in God’s goodness, wisdom, and love, especially during uncertain or difficult times. When we trust in God, we can proceed confidently, assured that He guides us at every stage.

As we trust, obey, and act, we will face new challenges, opportunities, and seasons. As we look at the life of Joshua, leading the Israelites in crossing the Jordan River was just one of many steps in trusting the Lord. Along our journey of faith, we will also experience putting faith into action as the Lord leads. As we do, the Lord opens doors for us that we would not be aware of if we had not trusted Him.

Putting Faith into Action is Life-Changing

Putting our faith into action is life-changing because we are acting on what God tells us through His word and the work of the Holy Spirit. The Israelites could not move forward to the promised land if Joshua had not trusted God. In the same way, God can’t unfold the plan He has for our lives if we don’t trust Him. Hebrews 11:1Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. [2]

God called Joshua to spend time in His word, and in doing so, he would be strong and courageous. To place our faith into action, we too need to spend time in God’s word and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. In doing so, God will give you the strength to move forward in faith, and in hindsight, it will surprise you. When you struggle to put your faith into action, meditate on this verse. Philippians 4:13For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.[3]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Anchored by the Word

Paula K. Graves

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May 8, 2026

God directed Joshua to be anchored in the Word to remain strong and courageous and to be successful. Joshua 1: 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.[1]

The Book of Instruction, also known as the Book of the Law, was written by Moses during the Exodus. Deuteronomy 31: 9 So Moses wrote this entire body of instruction in a book and gave it to the priests, who carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and to the elders of Israel.[2] It was this material that Joshua was to meditate on as he led the people successfully.

Meditating on the Word

To meditate means to engage in contemplation or reflection.[3] This would include studying, but also pondering over the meaning. The Hebrew word translated “meditate” means “to mutter.”[4] The Jewish people would not have read the Word silently like we so often do. They would have read it aloud and discussed it with one another. The NLT says to study the book continually. The ESV is more literal: Joshua 1: 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.[5] The reason it should not depart Joshua’s mouth is that he is to continually speak it.

Moses had given them specific instructions. Deuteronomy 6: 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up.[6] Meditation on the Book of Instruction was to be a daily, common activity.

God’s Word and Us

The best way to know the heart and mind of God is to read His Word. God reveals Himself in the Bible so we can know Him. We, like Joshua, still need to study, ponder, and assimilate God’s Word to be successful in this life and to prepare for the next.

God gave Joshua a promise for his faithfulness in meditating on the Book of Instruction. This would lead to his prospering and succeeding in all he did. Now, this doesn’t mean Joshua became rich and had no problems. This wasn’t worldly success but spiritual prosperity in the tasks God had for him. It remains the same for us. When we remain anchored by the Word, God will enable us to carry out the mission He has for us. In times of transition, success and clarity come not from strategy alone but from grounding oneself in God’s Word.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1,2,6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jos 1:7–8). Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meditate

[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Strong (p. 27). Victor Books.

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jos 1:8). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

Transition Requires Courage

Paula K. Graves

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May 7, 2026

God knew that transition requires courage and instructed Joshua accordingly. Repetition in a Biblical passage emphasizes the importance of the repeated word. The words strong and courageous are essentially synonyms in Hebrew.[1] God doubles the same instruction and then repeats it three times in four verses.

Joshua 1: 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous.[2]

Joshua 1: 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.[3]

Courage Needed to Avoid Repeating a Mistake

40 years before Joshua took command, the people had a chance to enter the promised land, but refused to trust God. Joshua had been a spy to check out the promised land. All the spies agreed that it was a land flowing with milk and honey. But ten of them reported that the people living there were too strong to conquer. In contrast, Joshua had urged them to trust God for the victory.

Numbers 14: 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them! [4] Even though God had done multiple miracles to release them from Egypt and care for them in the wilderness, the people did not trust Him. Unbelief led to fear and anxiety, which resulted in disobedience.

As a result, the people had to wander in the desert for forty years. The disobedient ones died there, and the next generation would enter the promised land. The only ones who left Egypt and entered the promised land were the faithful Joshua and Caleb. Now, forty years later, the nations occupying the promised land were as strong, or even stronger, than before. It would require trusting God to provide the victory, and to do that, they needed to be strong and courageous.

Courage to Trust God

We, too, must depend on God for our spiritual battles. Ephesians 6: 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[5] We need faith and fearless confidence in God’s abilities.

Courage is needed not only for battles ahead but for the uncertainty of becoming who God calls us to be next. God had called Joshua to lead a nation, and often God calls us to leave our comfort zones to work for Him. Transition requires courage. Paul gave the Corinthians believers advice as they lived out the faith. 1 Corinthians 16: 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love. [6]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1] Coleson, J. (2012). Joshua. In P. W. Comfort (Ed.), Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Joshua, Judges, Ruth (p. 42). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

[2-6 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God’s Presence in Unfamiliar Territory

Tom Graves

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May 6, 2026

God’s presence in unfamiliar territory is a great comfort for every believer as we step into new seasons of life. After Moses died, God told Joshua it was time for him to lead Israel. He was stepping into very unfamiliar territory, but in the midst of that, God gave him amazing reassurance.

Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. [1] Realizing that God will accompany us as we step into the unknown truly transforms our perspective on life. Scripture reminds us of the importance of depending on God when we enter unfamiliar territory. Psalm 91:2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [2]

As the Lord walks with us, even though life’s storms may come our way, we are not alone. Joshua led the Israelites to conquer the promised land with God’s help, and while it wasn’t always easy, God’s protection gave them incredible strength and support in every battle. Whenever emotions, thoughts, or unexpected circumstances arise, remember to call out to God—you’re never alone in any challenge. 

God’s Presence Gives Us Confidence

Being with someone else during tough times makes challenges feel less overwhelming. When I have another person walking beside me, problems appear more manageable. Many times in life, it is not a person who is walking beside us but God Himself who dwells in us as believers. Having the Spirit living inside you fills you with anticipation for the journey and excitement to step into what God is calling you to do.

The fear of the unknown can sometimes hold us back, making us complacent and inactive. While the uncertainty about what lies ahead might excite some, for many, it can be quite intimidating. When God reassured Joshua that He would be with him as Israel’s leader, it was precisely what he needed. Sometimes, we believe great leaders don’t face struggles like ours, but that’s not true. Joshua was stepping into uncharted territory, feeling many of the same emotions we do.

Spiritual Growth in Unfamiliar Territory

When the Lord told Joshua He would be with him as He was with Moses, it marked the beginning of a new season of drawing closer to God. God’s presence isn’t limited to that moment; as He was with Joshua when leading him into unfamiliar territory, it can also be a time of growing nearer to the Lord. In familiar life, I can handle things on my own, but when I face uncharted waters, I must look to and rely on God in a new way.

It is in this place that unexpected spiritual growth often takes place. Following God’s plan often takes us into unfamiliar areas, but it’s a blessing. God meets us there, waiting for us to take the first step of faith. We can experience His presence wherever we go, even if we’re unaware of it. He wants us to deepen our relationship with Him, often through stepping into the unknown.

To learn more about God’s presence in unfamiliar territory, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

His Promise Still Stands

Paula K. Graves

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May 5, 2026

God told Joshua that in this transition, His promise still stands. Joshua 1:3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. [1]

Even though there was a leadership change from Moses to Joshua, God’s promises remained the same. God would remain faithful to what He first promised Abraham. Genesis 15: 7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.” [2]

God had renewed this covenant with Isaac, Jacob, and, most recently, Moses. Deuteronomy 34: 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.” [3] It was time for Joshua to lead the people into their inheritance.

God’s Promises to Joshua

God initiated the original covenant concerning the land, and now the people would receive it by God’s hand. God gave Joshua the boundary lines of this promised land. Then God went on to give Joshua several promises. We know this applies to Joshua because the “you” in verse 5 is singular.[4]

God promises to be with and not forsake Joshua, with the result that as they conquer the land, their enemies will not be able to stand against him. God promises to be with Joshua as He was with Moses. Joshua had been Moses’ assistant and had observed the relationship between God and Moses. Now God’s faithfulness will continue through Joshua’s leadership.

God’s Promises to Us

Just as God had made promises to those in the Old Testament, He continues to give us promises because of what Jesus has done for us:

John 3: 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [5]

Romans 10: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.[6]

Ephesians 1: 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.[7]

We can trust God to be faithful. His promise still stands for us believers today. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-3,5-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[4] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Steps into the Unknown

Tom Graves

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May 4, 2026

Have you ever taken steps into the unknown when you knew the Lord was guiding you, but you were still apprehensive? I believe this is what Joshua felt like when Moses died. Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.[1]

Obedience to the Lord’s guidance is not always easy because we may be filled with uncertainty and often doubt our abilities. It is in that moment that we must put our confidence in God as we move forward in His timing. Many people, including me, often find themselves in unfamiliar situations. Lacking experience in these areas, our instinct is to retreat to what we know. Fear frequently arises when we face new challenges. However, consider that everything you’re doing right now is something you’ve never done before.

God Knows Us Better Than We Know Ourselves

In Joshua 1, we see a man entrusted with a big responsibility by God—something he probably didn’t feel fully prepared for. Can you imagine how Joshua must have felt when Moses passed away, and God told him it was now his turn to lead Israel into the Promised Land?

Fortunately, God knows what we are capable of and has our lives planned out from the beginning. Psalm 116:16You saw me before I was born.” Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [2]

I’m always inspired by how God opens doors when we step out in faith. Instead of feeling scared of new experiences, let’s feel excited about the challenges and opportunities that come our way. We can do this even when others say something is impossible, if we follow Joshua’s example. When we trust in God, He will give us the strength and grace to move forward confidently.

Take God’s Hand as You Take Steps into the Unknown

When God invites us to take a step of faith, it’s like leaving behind what we know and stepping into the exciting unknown. Remember, when He guides us, He promises to be right there with us. Even if the path ahead seems uncertain, you won’t walk it alone—God will be by your side every step of the way.

Often, it’s precisely when we step out in faith into the unknown that we experience the most wonderful encounters with God. The eyes of faith see beyond the natural world into the mysterious and the unknown. It requires faith and trust to take that first step, but rest assured, it is always worth it in the end.

Like Joshua, who trusted God and stepped into the unknown, perhaps God is gently encouraging you to take a leap of faith today. I believe He will give you courage and strength to follow His will. If you’re struggling to see God’s work in what He’s spoken to you, I trust He will open your eyes anew, helping you see with faith and empowering you to do what seems impossible. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

When a Chapter Closes

Tom Graves

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May 3, 2026

When a chapter closes, it can be both exciting and stressful. God called Joshua to transition into leadership, and God calls us to tasks. Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses, the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.[1]

Closing chapters in our lives is part of life, and each comes with its own story and unique challenges. Sometimes it’s straightforward: a great chapter has ended, and it’s time to move forward. Other times, it may have been painful, but you have gained valuable lessons, and the moment was right to turn the page. Then there are those chapters you revisit repeatedly because they contain so much meaning and happiness. You analyze every sentence to extract as much insight as possible before closing that chapter. Joshua had been second in command to Moses for forty years, and after Moses’ death, he would face the most challenging time of his life.

New Chapters Can be Opportunities for Growth

Although Joshua was an experienced leader and a man of great faith, stepping into the role of leading the Israelites must have seemed daunting. It is during such times that we find ourselves depending more on God because the waters are uncharted. As we enter a new season, the Lord is our anchor in the storms of uncertainty. For me, entering a new season is difficult because I am leaving behind what is familiar.

In the midst of the unfamiliar, there is always an opportunity for new experiences and growth we would never have if we had stayed where we were. In a spiritual sense, it is a time to listen carefully to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He directs your path. Just as in the life of Joshua, the Lord is always working towards progressions in our lives. As the Lord guides our path, He is also involved in bringing seasons to a close. Why does He do this? Because for one chapter to begin in life, another has to end.

The Lord Walks with Us into the Next Chapter

Moses, the leader of Israel, is dead, and Israel must move forward. God acknowledges the ending without minimizing it, then immediately calls Joshua into the next season. A new season may begin with grief because of our circumstances. Other times, we long for the season that has ended because we don’t know if we have what it takes for the next.

The good news is the Lord walks with us as we enter the following season. It is during this time that we can pour our hearts out to Him, expressing our fears and asking for strength, courage, and guidance to move forward. Scripture reminds us how much we need the Lord when a chapter ends. Jeremiah 17:7But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. [2]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Obedience Reveals God’s Glory

Paula K. Graves

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May 2, 2026

Obedience reveals God’s glory. To obey God, one must trust Him. Obedience requires humility in that we put God’s will above our own. God has His reasons for His instructions. He has a plan, and our obedience brings blessings. Deuteronomy 28: 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God. [1] Even Jesus promised blessings for our obedience. Luke 11: 28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.[2]

God had a plan for the nation of Israel as they left Egypt. He could certainly have stopped Pharaoh’s army before they chased after Israel, but He chose not to. God had a plan to demonstrate His glory to both Egypt and Israel through this attack.

God’s Glory Revealed in the Crossing of the Red Sea

The story of Israel’s escape from Egypt through the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea is told in Exodus 14. There God tells the reason for this plan three times:

Exodus 14: 4bI have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!”[3]

Exodus 14:17b My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” [4]

Exodus 14: 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses. [5]

The Redemption Event of God’s People

Israel’s obedience to God’s instructions allowed His glory to be seen. Not only did God reveal His glory to Egypt, but also to Israel. They were in awe of what God could do, which increased their faith. All who saw or heard of this event realized that the God of Israel was the Lord. The crossing of the Red Sea is seen as a turning point in Israel’s history. God brought them out of cruel slavery to their own land. This event foreshadowed how Jesus’ obedience would bring us out of our slavery to sin.

Philippians 2:7b When he (Jesus) appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. [6] Romans 5: 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone… So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [7]

Just as the Red Sea was a turning point in the Old Testament, Jesus’ work on the cross is the turning point of the New Testament. As believers, we can have a renewed relationship with God for eternity. To learn more about how obedience reveals God’s glory, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

God Fights for Us in Transition

Paula K. Graves

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May 1, 2026

Israel experienced how God fights for us in transition. God had enabled them to leave slavery in Egypt. Even though they were no longer under their slave masters, they still had a slave mentality. It would take time for them to become a free nation. God knew this and guided their exit from Egypt accordingly.

Exodus 13: 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. [1]

A Battle They Couldn’t Win on Their Own

While the people left Egypt like an army ready for battle, when Pharaoh’s army appeared, they panicked. They realized they were untrained and no match for the Egyptians. But they had a leader who trusted God. Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”[2]

God had allowed this battle. Some might say that God even caused it because He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. God had led His people to a place where they were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. There didn’t appear to be any way of escape. But God. God used this situation to demonstrate His glory and power both to Egypt and Israel.

The Unexpected Solution

Even though Moses trusted that God would fight for them, I don’t think he expected God’s plan. Exodus 14: 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.” [3]

God had to urge Moses and the people into action. What had seemed like a barrier before is now the escape route for the people. Not only will the sea provide a way for the people to flee, but it will also be what will destroy their enemy. Only God could do this kind of miracle.

Safety in the Transition

God also provided safety as the people moved into place. Exodus 14: 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. 20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. [4]

God had positioned His people in a place where they couldn’t win, gave them an unexpected solution, and kept them safe. God fights for us in transition, both then and now. To learn more, listen here:    

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition   

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Standing Firm in the Face of Fear

Paula K. Graves

no comments

April 30, 2026

Moses kept standing firm in the face of fear. The appearance of Pharaoh’s army panicked the people, and in their fear, they complained. But Moses doesn’t appear to flinch at their criticism.

Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” [1]

Moses was in a spiritual battle and could stand firm because he trusted God to come through. We, too, experience spiritual battles and are to trust God to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground.[2]

Remember God’s Promises

How can we remember to trust God in the battle like Moses did? God had given Moses a promise when He called him to lead Israel. Exodus 3: 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” [3]

Moses knew God had been with him since the burning bush and had done everything He predicted. Exodus 4:21 And the Lord told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. 22 Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’ ” [4] Pharaoh’s firstborn son died during the tenth plague, which was the Passover.

They had come too far not to make it back to the mountain of the burning bush. Worshipping at the mountain was the reason Moses had given Pharaoh for leaving Egypt. Exodus 5:1 “Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.” [5] God had proved Himself trustworthy, and Moses kept trusting Him.

Look for Signs Along the Way

In addition to all the miraculous plagues, including Israel’s protection during the Passover, God continued to show His presence. Exodus 13: 21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire.[6]

Moses had first experienced God in a burning bush. Now God demonstrated His presence with a huge pillar of fire. This was just another sign that Moses could trust God to do what He said He would do.When circumstances look bleak, remember what God has promised and look for signs of His working. This helps us overcome our fear. Instead, when we trust God, we can remain standing firm in the face of fear. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

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