“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
During my last trip to Israel I allowed my husband to talk me into going through Hezekiah’s tunnel. At first, the cool water and width were fine but as we travelled deeper into the dark, cold, and wet tunnel the walls narrowed and I started to panic. Immediately, I turned to my husband and begged him to turn around but he and our guide said we could not and as my husband cajoled me onward, I knew I had to conquer my fears and move forward one step at a time. With each step, I prayed for strength and comfort and when we reached the end I felt victorious and thankful that I moved forward instead of turning back.
This experience reminds me of a popular song ‘Burn the Ships’ by the Christian group, “King and Country.” The song is based on the historical story of the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes and the bold decision he made when he and his men reached the shores of Latin America. Cortes knew his troops would encounter hostile natives, tropical diseases and unfamiliar terrain. As their leader, he was concerned his men would not want to persevere through all the challenges but would instead go back to the ships and sail back to Spain. To obviate this possibility, Cortez burned the ships.
Job 17:9 states,
“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.”
Do not let your fears or past experiences become your master and prevent you from accomplishing the plans God has for your life.
Father, thank you that you will help me persevere in following Jesus no matter what obstacles I face. Help me to not turn back, because I know you have a perfect plan that will come to pass in your good time.
By Julie Lairsey
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• Eternal Love
• Fully Surrender to the Lord
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