TIME TO GET MOVING

Deuteronomy 1:6-8
6 The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and advance into the hill country of
the Amorites; go to all the neighboring people in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore He would give to your fathers--to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--and to their descendants after them."

Monica Seles was riding high in 1993. The 19-year-old was No. 1 in women's tennis, breaking records and opponents--until the day a guy jumped out of the stands and plunged a 9-inch boning knife into her back.

For the next 2 years, Monica rehabbed--physically, emotionally, and mentally. Her biggest battles were against fear, depression, and loss. She couldn't sleep in the dark for fear of the shadows. But with the support of family, coaches, and counselors, Monica made her return to the tennis tour. She had been stuck on a mountain of doubt, but found the courage to move forward.

When we open up Deuteronomy, we see God's people looking back at a time when they were stuck on a mountain. But God said, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance" (1:6-7). There were many obstacles: the physical effects of wandering in the gritty, windy desert with no home; the emotional ups and downs of God's supernatural provision, and His punishments for their disobedience; doubts about their mental toughness in taking on stronger opponents.

Ultimately, they moved forward because God told them to go. He had made a promise--it was theirs to claim. God has made promises to you too, including: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). No matter what He calls you to do, He's with you. He won't leave you to find your way alone in the dark in fear of the shadows.

Monica Seles still carries a scar. She says it tingles when rain is coming. No doubt the Israelites carried the scars from their wandering as they made their way into the Promised Land. There were bumps and battles along the way, but they made it. And so will you, because "the Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you" (Deuteronomy 1:30). Find your courage in Him. --Tracy Carbaugh

DESTINATION POINTS

* Am I stuck on a mountain of fear or circumstances? What will it take to get moving again?
* What are my biggest battles? Why are they so scary?
* What has God promised me? Take a look at these passages: Acts 2:38-39; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Titus 1:2; James 1:12; 1 John 2:24-25.

LINKS:
When Fear Seems Overwhelming: Finding Courage And Hope
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb031

bottom line: God's presence is a mountain of courage.

soul journey