GOING FORWARD Then the Lord said to Moses

GOING FORWARD “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward’. ” (Exodus 14: 15).

We Are Plateau People �We work to a level of comfort. �Israel was complaining in Egypt, but didn’t want to leave. �Is it really worth all this energy to gain a little freedom? �Physically or spiritually, church or marriage; we get to a position of relative comfort and cease improving.

Welcome to Leadership �Red Sea and Israelites in one direction, Pharaoh’s army in the other. �Whether at home, . Work, school or church, leadership faces the same challenges. �Obstacles in one direction, critics in the other. �God is still above, saying “Move forward. ”

Forward Means God Is Glorified �Exodus 14: 1 -4, Egypt had Israel exactly where God wanted them, Trapped. �Finally – no way Israel can escape. �V. 19 -20 �Israel belonged to God! �So does the church! �Nothing is too difficult for us (God included) to attempt.

Such Rich Blessings �So much expected �Eph. 3: 20 -21 �Such talent here – singing, praying, teaching, impressing. �Nothing is beyond our ability. �How much can God be glorified this year thru us?

Forward – Faith Is Multiplied �Exodus 14: 11 -12 – content with a plateau of slavery. �Imagine walking thru the corridor formed from water – what’s holding it up? �God is, and always has been, the Deliverer. �Heb. 13: 5 -6

Why Is It So Difficult to Believe? �God always keeps his promises. �Joseph’s bones – Heb. 11: 22 �Ex. 14: 31 �Our job is to work, God will take care of the worrying. �Faith should grow stronger year by year.

Forward – Victory is Realized �Numbers 14: 1 -9 �“Let’s choose a leader to take us back to Egypt. ” �Behind is slavery, defeat and shame. �Forward is freedom and victory �And Work. �Back is usually easier. Strait and narrow way has always been there. So has the broad way.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize �The “Promised” Land �Heb. 11: 16 �Phil. 3: 13 -14 �I Cor. 9: 24 -27 � 2 Tim. 4: 6 -10