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Day Two: Taking the First Steps

The children of Israel were prepared for the journey. On the eve of their departure, the Lord commanded them to celebrate the feast of the Passover. They were to slaughter a lamb and paint the door posts of their houses with its blood. They were to prepare a special meal of lamb roasted in fire, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. They were to eat the meal with a belt on their waist, sandals on their feet, and staffs in their hands. They were to eat it in haste; it would be a memorial to be kept forever.

The children of Israel finally departed from the land of Egypt. Picture over a million people going into the wilderness toward the Red Sea. It was the end of hundreds of years of captivity. The yoke of Pharaoh had finally been broken. This exodus was a major turning point in the life of the nation of Israel. No longer were they captives in a foreign land, but a people with a mission and an identity. When they took that first step out of the land of Pharaoh, they made a commitment to the dream of the promised land. The dream had started to become a reality.

When the people finally set out on the journey, the Lord led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the pillar stopped, the people were to set up their camp and rest. They were to remain in one place until the pillar of cloud again began its gradual movement through the desert.

The first step of the journey is an important point in our lives. For us to actually go forth and do is the crucial step that divides abstraction from reality. The dream becomes substantial. The vision of the dream now permeates all levels of our being.

People in the throes of temptation who take no action other than to send up prayers do not realize that if their temptations were terminated before running the full course their preparation for heaven would not be accomplished, and so they could not be saved. For this reason also little heed is paid to the prayers of those in the throes of temptation; for the Lord desires the end in view, which is the person’s salvation. The Lord knows that end, but the person does not, and the Lord does not do what prayers ask for if that is contrary to the end, which is salvation. Secrets of Heaven 8179

Prayer

Lord, there are times in my life when I feel like I’m standing in front of the Red Sea, an unmovable barrier of negativity and false messages. At these times I know that I need to remember to call on You, stop and listen for Your voice, and then move forward with confidence. When I’m in those places in life, help me remember You. Remind me of Your presence. Help me to continue to build the trust that You do part seas and You will open up a way in my life. Thank you for Your awesome power and the knowledge that You are there leading my life. Amen.

Reflections
Leap and the net will appear. — Zen Proverb
This saying reflects an aspect of faith seen in the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. They had to move forward in the face of impossibilities and the Lord parted the sea. Has there been a time in your life when you made a leap of faith? If not, what has held you back? What would it look like for you to leap?

Download this Reflection and Excerpt in printable form. (PDF)

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