Hebrews 3:14-19 ~ For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
I cannot imagine the inward strength it took to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Leadership’s not for everyone. I know for a fact that I’ve doubted myself as a leader. And if truth be told I’ve questioned the Lord’s judgment putting me in this role. Why would He suffer people with me, knowing that I lack so much. I realize that Moses was not a man of super strength; that he was an ordinary man used in an extraordinary way, but he still had to have a little something extra to lead so many. It’s hard enough for Pastors to lead one hundred out of sin whilst their own congregation is full of strife, discontent and murmurings. What must it have been like to lead hundreds of thousands?
Because of their unbelief in God’s plan and God’s man, with the exception of a few, the original crew of Moses’ didn’t make it out of Egypt. They lost the promise along the way and for forty years they grumbled.
I see this daily in the children of God, who live in defeat, without the rest and peace of God because of the provocation of Satan in their lives. Satan whispers lies in their ears and they buy it hook, line and sinker. And their hearts harden a little more each day. Satan tells them they are unloved, unwanted, unworthy and misunderstood. He tells them to throw in the towel they’ve messed up one too many times.
Well as one of the greatest “messer uppers” of all times, I’m here to tell you don’t buy Satan’s lie. If you are saved and covered by the blood of Jesus, Egypt is far behind you and you will make it into the Promised Land. Keep your eyes focused ahead. Joshua and Caleb made it out of the wilderness because when they saw giant adversaries, they saw giant potential in God. I cannot make it in this world two seconds on my own without focusing on the negative. But with God, I see what Satan intended for my harm as a catalyst for God to make something great out of it. When Satan gives me a struggle, I view it as a challenge.
Don’t let Satan steal your opportunity to enter into rest. When Satan puts people or circumstances in your life today, don’t even glance their directions. Put your sites on Heaven!