April 14th, 2025
by Joel Sosa
by Joel Sosa
Life is a journey of constant change and growth, but sometimes we find ourselves stuck, unable to move forward into the new things God has for us. We may sense that there's something more, a greater purpose or blessing waiting just beyond our reach. Yet, fear, comfort, or uncertainty hold us back. The truth is, we can't stay where we are if we want to experience all that God has planned for us.
Just as the Israelites stood on the brink of the Promised Land, we too often find ourselves at a crossroads. God is calling us into new territories – be it in our personal lives, careers, relationships, or spiritual walk. But with every new opportunity comes opposition, and how we respond to that opposition determines whether we'll step into God's promises or remain in the familiar wilderness.
The story of the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. When they returned, ten of the spies focused on the obstacles – the fortified cities and giant inhabitants. Only two, Caleb and Joshua, saw the opportunity and believed in God's power to overcome any challenge. Their report was filled with faith: "We can certainly conquer it!" (Numbers 13:30)
This narrative teaches us a crucial lesson: what we focus on determines our next step. Will we, like the majority, fixate on the giants in our path? Or will we, like Caleb and Joshua, keep our eyes on the God who is bigger than any obstacle?
As we step into new seasons, we must be prepared for three phases that often accompany God's call to move forward:
1. Opposition
When we say yes to God's new direction, we can expect resistance. This opposition might come in various forms – personal attacks, negative thoughts, relationship conflicts, or unexpected setbacks. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour our faith and derail God's plans (1 Peter 5:8).
To combat this, we need to:
- Cultivate awareness of spiritual warfare
- Put on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Stay alert and grounded in God's Word
Remember, if you're facing strong opposition, it might be a sign that you're moving in the right direction. Just as resistance builds muscle in the gym, spiritual opposition can strengthen our faith when we push through it.
2. Temptation
As we progress, we'll face various temptations designed to halt our forward momentum. These may include:
- Disunity: The enemy often uses division to weaken and distract us. We must strive for unity under God's vision, putting aside personal preferences for the greater purpose.
- Insecurity: Comparing ourselves to others or doubting our abilities can paralyze us. We need to remember that God has uniquely designed each of us for a specific role in His plan.
- Offense: In challenging times, it's easy to become offended. We must forgive quickly, extend grace liberally, and strive to be peacemakers.
- Preference for the familiar: The unknown can be scary, causing us to long for the comfort of the past. However, we must remember that "better" isn't truly better if it's not where God is leading us.
3. Opportunity
If we successfully navigate opposition and temptation, we arrive at the phase of opportunity. This is where we step into the promises and blessings God has prepared for us. It's the "land flowing with milk and honey" that awaits those who persevere in faith.
However, seizing these opportunities often requires us to move against the majority opinion, just as Caleb and Joshua did. It means trusting God's voice over the clamor of fear and doubt around us.
So how do we practically apply these truths in our lives? Here are four key actions we can take:
1. Invite others to experience God's goodness. Share your faith and extend invitations to church or spiritual events. Remember, the outcome isn't your responsibility – your job is simply to extend the invitation.
2. Serve others. Look for ways to contribute to your church community or local organizations. Taking that next step of service can open doors to new purpose and growth.
3. Pray fervently. Commit to regular, intentional prayer for yourself, your family, your church, and your community. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's purposes and prepares us for His move.
4. Give generously. When God calls us to new things, it often requires sacrifice. Consider what you might need to give up or contribute financially to be part of what God is doing.
As we stand on the cusp of new seasons, let's remember that the greatest things are still ahead. God has opportunities and blessings in store that we can't even imagine. But to reach them, we must be willing to leave the familiar behind and step out in faith.
This is the year to be fully committed to God's purposes. It's time to push past our comfort zones, confront our giants, and believe that with God, all things are possible. The journey may be challenging, but the destination – a deeper relationship with God and the fulfillment of His promises – is worth every step.
So today, let's make a decision. Will we stay where we are, or will we courageously move forward into all that God has for us? The choice is ours. May we, like Caleb and Joshua, have the faith to say, "Let's go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it!" (Numbers 13:30)
Just as the Israelites stood on the brink of the Promised Land, we too often find ourselves at a crossroads. God is calling us into new territories – be it in our personal lives, careers, relationships, or spiritual walk. But with every new opportunity comes opposition, and how we respond to that opposition determines whether we'll step into God's promises or remain in the familiar wilderness.
The story of the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. When they returned, ten of the spies focused on the obstacles – the fortified cities and giant inhabitants. Only two, Caleb and Joshua, saw the opportunity and believed in God's power to overcome any challenge. Their report was filled with faith: "We can certainly conquer it!" (Numbers 13:30)
This narrative teaches us a crucial lesson: what we focus on determines our next step. Will we, like the majority, fixate on the giants in our path? Or will we, like Caleb and Joshua, keep our eyes on the God who is bigger than any obstacle?
As we step into new seasons, we must be prepared for three phases that often accompany God's call to move forward:
1. Opposition
When we say yes to God's new direction, we can expect resistance. This opposition might come in various forms – personal attacks, negative thoughts, relationship conflicts, or unexpected setbacks. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour our faith and derail God's plans (1 Peter 5:8).
To combat this, we need to:
- Cultivate awareness of spiritual warfare
- Put on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Stay alert and grounded in God's Word
Remember, if you're facing strong opposition, it might be a sign that you're moving in the right direction. Just as resistance builds muscle in the gym, spiritual opposition can strengthen our faith when we push through it.
2. Temptation
As we progress, we'll face various temptations designed to halt our forward momentum. These may include:
- Disunity: The enemy often uses division to weaken and distract us. We must strive for unity under God's vision, putting aside personal preferences for the greater purpose.
- Insecurity: Comparing ourselves to others or doubting our abilities can paralyze us. We need to remember that God has uniquely designed each of us for a specific role in His plan.
- Offense: In challenging times, it's easy to become offended. We must forgive quickly, extend grace liberally, and strive to be peacemakers.
- Preference for the familiar: The unknown can be scary, causing us to long for the comfort of the past. However, we must remember that "better" isn't truly better if it's not where God is leading us.
3. Opportunity
If we successfully navigate opposition and temptation, we arrive at the phase of opportunity. This is where we step into the promises and blessings God has prepared for us. It's the "land flowing with milk and honey" that awaits those who persevere in faith.
However, seizing these opportunities often requires us to move against the majority opinion, just as Caleb and Joshua did. It means trusting God's voice over the clamor of fear and doubt around us.
So how do we practically apply these truths in our lives? Here are four key actions we can take:
1. Invite others to experience God's goodness. Share your faith and extend invitations to church or spiritual events. Remember, the outcome isn't your responsibility – your job is simply to extend the invitation.
2. Serve others. Look for ways to contribute to your church community or local organizations. Taking that next step of service can open doors to new purpose and growth.
3. Pray fervently. Commit to regular, intentional prayer for yourself, your family, your church, and your community. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's purposes and prepares us for His move.
4. Give generously. When God calls us to new things, it often requires sacrifice. Consider what you might need to give up or contribute financially to be part of what God is doing.
As we stand on the cusp of new seasons, let's remember that the greatest things are still ahead. God has opportunities and blessings in store that we can't even imagine. But to reach them, we must be willing to leave the familiar behind and step out in faith.
This is the year to be fully committed to God's purposes. It's time to push past our comfort zones, confront our giants, and believe that with God, all things are possible. The journey may be challenging, but the destination – a deeper relationship with God and the fulfillment of His promises – is worth every step.
So today, let's make a decision. Will we stay where we are, or will we courageously move forward into all that God has for us? The choice is ours. May we, like Caleb and Joshua, have the faith to say, "Let's go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it!" (Numbers 13:30)
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