Letting Go To Keep Going

By Gobel Brockman


Many of you reading this are familiar with the story of Moses. God chose him to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He led them to - and through - the Red Sea. There were many problems and instances of disobedience along the way, but there were also many miracles. But Moses himself had a moment of disobedience that cost him entrance into the 'Promised Land.' As the people prepared to go in, God told Moses to go to the top of the mountain and view the land, but afterwards he would die. After his death, God spoke to Joshua and said, "Moses my servant is dead. You now lead these people into the land I have prepared for them."

This Scripture and story stand out to me, for one of the lessons in it is that you have to be willing to let go of the past if you want to step into your future. One of the problems we seem to have with that is being asked to let go with the familiar and step into the unknown. The people of Israel knew what it was to follow Moses. They knew he had a special relationship with God. They also knew Joshua, but not in the capacity he was about to step into. How would he do? In what ways would he be different from Moses? Would God be as close to him as He was to Moses? I'm sure they had more questions than answers at that moment.

I know we've all been there at some point. You may be there now. I am myself. Many of you know that this past June I retired from my job at the US Postal Service. However, I've been using up my Sick Leave before my retirement starts. It runs out this week, so I'm about to start a new chapter in my life. At this point, I have no real idea what the first paragraph of that chapter's going to be. There is definite uncertainty, but there's also a definite faith that all will be well. God was prepared to lead Israel, and He will lead me as well. He will also lead you. If you are in a place in your life where what you are familiar with is gone and been replaced with the unknown, fear not. Be willing to step out in faith.

Let me close by making this point. When Israel stood at the Red Sea, God told them to "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Forty years later, they stood at the Jordan River preparing to enter the Promised Land. God told them, "As soon as the priests (carrying the Ark of the Covenant) step into the Jordan, the waters will part." I believe part of that was God saying to them, "I've already proved to you that parting water is no problem for Me. Now step out in faith and believe that I will do it again." Yes, it requires faith. Yes, it requires letting go of the past and what we're comfortable with. But it's required if we want to move forward.

Moses is dead. Joshua's the new leader. But God is still in charge. It's all good. Now step out in faith and get going.