Read: Numbers 14:1-4
“Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” (v. 4)
It’s common to reminisce and yearn to go back to the “good old days.” A grown adult may wish they could play high school sports again. A parent approaching the empty nest may wish their children were young again. You may wish you could return to a past job, church, or relationship. Sometimes we forget the pains of the past and glorify special moments in our mind, making them even better than they actually were.
Numbers 14 tells of the time when the Israelites were moving from slavery in Egypt toward a promised fruitful land. God had just miraculously delivered them through the Passover and had held up the waters of the Red Sea to allow them to pass through. He had defeated their enemies. He freed them from slavery. He was preparing them for abundance in a new land as his chosen people. Yet, when things got tough, they said they wanted to go back to Egypt!
If you keep reading Numbers 14, you’ll see how Moses displayed incredible leadership and intercessory prayer despite people picking up stones. What challenge or transition has you longing to go back in time rather move forward with faith? Don’t let what is in the past keep you from experiencing what God wants to do in your future. You can’t go back. Keep moving forward with faith into the new opportunities God has for you. —Steve Petroelje
As you pray, thank God for past blessings and pray that he will help you embrace the future.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
