Letting Go

"And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto 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. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:11-14

Like the Children of Israel leaving Egypt, we often battle fear and anxiety as God moves us toward a future that we can't see. As humans we have a tendency to want to cling to the past. The past wasn't great and we prayed for God to deliver us from it, but when we look forward into a future that feels unfamiliar, we long for the familiar. We fear uncertainty, because uncertainty could mean death. When you've been a victim your primary concern is survival. Survival isn't living, but it isn't physical death. Survival maybe fine for the world, but it is not good enough for those who are in Christ. We as Christians have a great promise from our Savior. The Bible records these words in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:9-11) Jesus didn't lay down His life just so we could turn around (spiritually as well as physically) and go back to our old lives. God wants us to live an abundant life both in this world and the next. It maybe tempting to look back during the course of our journey, but keep in mind that what you are seeing behind you is a mirage. It looks tempting, but once you go back to where you thought it was it disappears. Those fond memories you had get crushed by the torture and torment you had forgotten. Leave the past behind and stay focused on your promise. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30