Day 8 of 31: The enemy you see today...
The day we started #adifferentmarch I found out that most of March 2017 is called "Adar" in the Hebrew calendar. It captured my attention so I did a little research. I found out Adar is the month of "strength and power-a month to increase in joy". I. KID. YOU. NOT. It went on further to say that this was a time when ancestors rested after their miraculous salvation and victory in battle!!!! YES, PLEASE!
Last but not least, Adar was the last month the Jewish people spent in Egypt before the Exodus! I decided to revisit the Exodus in scripture and love these passages in chapter 14 for our March.
v.8 - "... the Israelites who were marching out boldly..." That's what we're doing!
v.13 - 14 "...Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still..."
In other words, don't make frenemies with the things that have kept you captive. Can you imagine the Israelites, calling back to the Egyptians, "We'll keep in touch!" Sometimes because we find some strange comfort in captivity we secretly keep a connection. But God wants us to cut ties.
v.15 "Then the Lord said to Moses.. tell the Israelites to MOVE ON."
v.19 - Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel.
God protected them by coming behind them and standing between their past and their future. Besides allowing them to rest, He wanted to make sure they didn't turn back. He knew there would come a time when they would second guess their decision to leave captivity behind and He wanted them (and us) to march into their (our) promise.
Reflection: Who/what are your Egyptians you NEVER want to see again? (Call them out! Write them down! March all over them! Burn them! Whatever it takes.)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know you are calling me out of captivity. Help me to keep marching boldly to the promises you have for me. Once and for all I desire to move on and not struggle with my "Egyptians"-the things/thoughts that keep me from crossing over. Come behind me. Stand between me and my enemies so I can rest for the journey. Equip me to travel light, full of faith in your protection and direction. In Jesus' name, Amen.