Text: Proverbs 4:18: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. KJV
From that verse God wants us to move forward in life, He wants us to move forward in every dimension of life He has called us unto. Anything that stagnates you in life and destiny is not of God. Anything that causes you backward motion in destiny is not of God. Anything that roots you to the same spot in life for years and people just keep passing you by is not of God. I pray for you, that by the mercy and grace of God, move forward by the fire of the Holy-Ghost this year in Jesus Name. Amen!
Some biblical strategies to consider moving forward by faith
- Trusting God’s Guidance:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
-Trusting in God’s guidance involves acknowledging His wisdom and sovereignty in our lives, relying on Him rather than relying solely on our understanding.
Abraham a case study of a man who trusted God to move him forward in faith:
- Leaving His Homeland: God called Abraham (originally named Abram) to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown place (Genesis 12:1). Despite the lack of details, Abraham trusted God totally and embarked on a faith-filled journey.
- Believing God’s Promise of a Son: God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, even though he and his wife Sarah were childless (Genesis 17:5-6). Despite doubts, Abraham clung to God’s word, and miraculously, Sarah gave birth to their son Isaac when Abraham was 100 years old (Genesis 21:1-3).
- Sacrificing Isaac: In Genesis 22, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac as an offering. Devastated but obedient, Abraham raised the knife, demonstrating profound faith that God had Isaac’s best interests in mind. God intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-14).
- Letting Go of the Past:
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV) – “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
-Moving forward requires letting go of past mistakes, failures, or achievements, and focusing on the purpose and calling ahead.
Ruth is a case of a woman who had to let go of her past in order to move forward by God in faith
Background: Ruth was a Moabite widow who chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her husband’s death.
How She Let Go?
- Ruth left her homeland and culture to follow Naomi to Bethlehem.
- She released her past attachments and embraced a new life among God’s people.
- Ruth trusted God’s providence, leading her to a beautiful future.
- Biblical Reference (ESV): Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.’”
- Faith in Action:
James 2:17 (ESV) – “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
-Moving forward in faith involves putting our trust into action, demonstrating our belief through deeds and obedience to God’s Word.
Rahab was a woman who put her faith in action. She displayed “living faith”. She added action to her trust in the God of Israel
Background: Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. When Israelite spies entered the city, she hid them and helped them escape.
How She Put Her Faith in Action:
- Rahab welcomed the spies into her home, risking her life to protect them.
- She lied to the king’s men about their whereabouts, demonstrating her faith in the God of Israel.
- Rahab’s actions showed that her faith was genuine, leading to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus.
- Biblical Reference (ESV): James 2:25 – “And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?”
- Seeking God First:
Matthew 6:33 (ESV) – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
-Prioritizing God and His kingdom in our pursuits is a key principle for moving forward in faith.
Moses was a man who prioritised God’s Kingdom agenda in order to move his destiny and the destiny of Israel forward by faith
Background: Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
How He Prioritized God:
- Moses forfeited his royal position in Egypt to identify with his oppressed people.
- He risked his life by confronting Pharaoh and demanding freedom for the Israelites.
- Moses trusted God’s guidance through the wilderness, even when faced with challenges.
- Biblical Reference (ESV): Hebrews 11:24-26 – “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”
- Endurance in Trials:
James 1:12 (ESV) – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
-Enduring trials with steadfastness is part of the journey of moving forward, knowing that God uses challenges for our spiritual and destiny growth.
Joseph was a man that had to endure trials in other to move forward by faith
Background: Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, endured betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment.
How He Endured Trials with Steadfastness:
- Joseph maintained integrity even when tempted by Potiphar’s wife.
- He interpreted dreams faithfully while in prison, trusting God’s plan.
- Joseph’s steadfastness eventually led to his elevation to a position of authority in Egypt.
- Biblical Reference (ESV): Genesis 39:21 – “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
- Renewing the Mind:
Romans 12:2 (ESV) – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Moving forward in life, destiny, career, ministry and marriage involves aligning our thoughts with God’s truth, allowing our minds to be transformed by His Word.
Ezra was a man who because of transformation by God’s word moved the nation of Israel forward.
- Diligent Study of the Law: Ezra, a scribe and priest, played a crucial role in the post-exilic period. In Ezra 7:10, we learn that he “set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel.” His commitment to God’s Word transformed him into a knowledgeable teacher and leader.
- Reforming the Community: Ezra led the people in returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple. He implemented reforms based on God’s law, addressing issues such as intermarriage with foreign nations (Ezra 9-10). His wisdom and the awesome progress he made in life came from aligning his life and mind with God’s commands.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
Prayer: Any power assigned to block my moving forward in life, be destroyed now by the fire of God, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
