One of the worst things that could happen to a new driver is to get his wheels stuck. Getting any of the tires stuck in a manhole, an excavation, or even a pit of mud enough to prevent tires from moving, can be traumatic for a newbie. Same as in life, some challenges seem to stop us in our tracks, that we do not know how to move on.
The Bible tells us about stories of characters who have been stuck in despair, stuck in difficulties, and even stuck in sinfulness. And as the scriptures relay to us the situations and the way these characters handled what came to them, what is evident is they got to move on when they heeded God’s voice.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
Stuck in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites had to rely on Moses’ successor Joshua to finally lead them to the Promised Land. And although Joshua was a faithful and valiant warrior, he still faced anxiety and fear when Moses died and he finally had to step into his shoes. The uncertainty was so great, he dreaded what could possibly happen next.
But the Lord guided Joshua and assured him that if he would just keep His commands in his mind and heart, and live it out, Joshua could attain his goal of bringing his people out of the wilderness and into the Promised land.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
Biblical scholars say the word used for “prosperous” in the above passage is also the same word Hebrews used to say “moving forward.” And so just like Joshua who was trying to bring the Israelites out of the wilderness that they were stuck in, we too can get out of the sticky situations we are in by keeping God’s word in our hearts, minds, and actions.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
When we let God’s words guide us through moving on with our lives, we inch our way to freedom from spiritual enslavements that bog our lives down. Anger, resentments, fears, regrets, guilt, and sins like idolatry and covetousness will no longer entangle us. We will know what truly matters, we will cease pursuing worldly things, and we will set our sights on what is truly eternal.
When we read and reflect on the bible, intentionally pray, regularly worship, and exert effort to grow and live our faith, we get rid of the chains that keep us from moving on to the best things in life. The things that God has long planned us to enjoy and experience. The things that money cannot buy and the word cannot take away: peace of mind that transcends difficult circumstances, joy amid challenges, security that is anchored on God’s presence and providence, and the meaningful moments with loved ones and people that God put in our path.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Just like driving, we can never safely arrive into our goal destination if we keep on looking at the rear view mirror of our past; if we keep on looking at the side mirrors to check on what others have and what they have been up to; if we keep being too anxious to look at what is in front because we keep on anticipating what can happen kilometers ahead of us, and more importantly, when we keep on looking at ourselves through the mirror in the sun visor.
Cliche as it may seem, for us to finally move on, we should let Jesus take the wheel. And we can only do this by surrendering everything to Him — our sinful lifestyle, our problems, our worries, our guilt, and our shame.
We call on to Him for forgiveness and step away from our sins. We get to know Him more by praying to Him and reading His words daily. When we acknowledge God’s presence in our life, and saturate our days with His words, we could finally move forward, because we will know the truth that the God we are serving is Sovereign, who is in control of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen.
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Joshua 1:1-9 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you stuck in something and need to get rid of entanglements?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for your life-giving words and your presence in my life. Thank you for allowing me to move forward from sticky situations in my life, through your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me the grace to see you and run to you each time I am stuck, and may I sense your guiding presence always to keep me from compromising. Amen.
