Encouragement for this Passover week

I thought I would be writing a blog concerning my recent trip to Jamaica and about all the Lord did during that 3 ½ weeks.  However, there is another message on my heart this morning that I feel I should write about.

This is Holy week for Christians and Passover for Jews.  Even though we recognize this week historically, it is important to realize that the glory of God as manifested on Resurrection morning was and still is preceded by a week of trials, tribulations, and heartache.  So it was also for the Israelites during the time of the first Passover.  Let's take a look at that.

For the Israelites leaving Egypt, a place of bondage, it was a harrowing time of leaving all that was familiar behind them.  Even though they lived in bondage, it was still a familiar and routine existence that was predictable.  Oh, how we all love that which is predictable!!  The truth is, as brought forth in Exodus 12:31-42, there are times when God says, “now”, you move quickly.     

If you are going to follow wholly after God, life is not predictable, and yes it is easier to stay in bondage to that which is familiar rather than to leave all. 

In a book that I read recently, the author made reference to the bondage of the Israelites and made the point that it was easier for them to manage bondage and slavery than to believe God for deliverance.  Is that not what we all do to an extent?  Out of the fear of the unknown, we continue to manage the known bondage, ie. just keep searching for more straw to add to the clay to make bricks, and stay where we are (Exodus 5:10-14). 

However, during this Passover week, let us determine to be released from the captivities where we find ourselves and not lose heart in the faithfulness of our God.  Let us move on into the new that He has purposed for us.  Let us move pass all the obstacles that want to keep us in place and press into the new place that God has ordained for us. 

I don’t know what that looks like for you, but I know in my heart I will let go of what I need to let go of so I can move with Holy Spirit as He leads and guides me into the truth of my next season in the Lord.  Even though there are situations and circumstances that would cause me to lose hope, I know that new life is just ahead.  That is what Resurrection is all about.  We are not staying where we are, but we are moving on into Won’t you join me as I continue to press into the next level of the glory of the Lord in my life?