Focus: Three Instructions To Obey

Text: Ex.19:8

"All that the LORD hath spoken we will do…"

Doing what God says is our lifetime duty as His children. We are under the authority of God to do as He says. And it is important to know that whatever He tells us to do is for our advantage and ultimate good.

At the starting point of Israel's journey away from Egypt, there are three clear instructions given to them: two by Moses and one directly from God Himself.

Moses said to the people, "FEAR YE NOT, STAND STILL, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever" (Ex.14:13). Moses' two words are: Fear not, and, Stand still! A little later, the Lord said to Moses, "Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward" (Ex.14:15). God's one word is: Go forward!

Together we have:

*Fear not

*Stand still

*Go forward

Life's journey requires that we banish fear from our lives. 

Fear hinders. Fear torments. Fear blinds and binds. Fear messes up our sense of good reasoning and right judgment. Deal with fear if you must move forward and get to your destination! 

God has not given us the spirit of fear and of cowardice.

The journey of life requires that we learn to stand still. 

We must be still and know that God is God. Stay calm! Worry not! Bury anxiety and timidity! It takes discipline and courage to stand still, especially when you are being pursued by an enemy. How can we stand still unperturbed by an adversary behind our back? Stand in your space and watch out for a miracle!

The journey of life requires that we summon the courage to advance and make progress toward our destination. 

Advance to where? There is an obstacle in front of us. Moving forward requires a great deal of faith in God. The Red Sea is before us and the enemies are behind us. We seem trapped in transition. Between the devil and the deep blue sea, God is asking us to trust in Him and move forward. We must not play the coward. Choose confidence and reject cowardice!

There is a "stand still" time, and a "go forward" time. A time to be still and see what God does and a time to advance in defiance of the Red Sea in front of you.

To succeed in your life's journey you must be willing and determined to march forward. You need bold and daring faith to neutralize the forces of failure and setback.

Obey whatever God tells you to do! Obey the instructions of God born out of divine revelation! Heed the voice of God! No more fears! Lock your fears out! Maintain a quiet spirit! Make a move toward the promise land of God! If and when you do, you will surely see the salvation of the Lord and possess your possessions.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter