Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. The the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Exodus 14:13-15 NIV

Mask or no mask this COVID crisis is highly contagious. It is no respecter of persons. Both old and young, rich and poor, religious and unspiritual, and the simple and famous have all been affected. Most survive, but we all have friends or know of loved ones who have died. It is an unseeingable enemy that creates a fear that is constantly nipping at our heels.

God had saved Israel and they were travelling through the desert to the promised land of Canaan when they were stopped at the edge of the Red Sea. Pharoah and his army changed their minds and pursued the Israelites with chariots, horsemen and foot soldiers. They caught up with the Israelites at the Red Sea. 

With nowhere to go and no ability to swiftly escape danger, God tells the Israelites to “move on”. God then parted the waters and they walked straight through on dry ground. Pharaoh pursued after them, but the waters collapsed killing all of Pharaoh’s army.

God says “Go!” 

As Christians there are many uncertainties in this world. We do not have the ability to see into our future tomorrow. Let’s look at 3 provisions the Lord has given to us to help us “move on” in response to the crippling fear that is nipping at our heels.

  • Fear of lack – Jesus addressed this fear in Matthew chapter 6 on the topic of worry about basic provisions for life. 
    • “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matt 6:31-33. 
    • God’s answer to fear of lack of provision is to trust that He will provide. How do you do this? By placing your trust in God’s promises while in conversations with Him.
    • “God, You said you will provide for the needs of the basic necessities for my family. I repent and ask you to forgive me, where I have not been found a faithful steward of the monies that you have entrusted to me. But NOW, according to your word, I am shifting “my worry” to trust in your love for me as a good Father to provide. Unfold your plan for my family daily needs for living.
  • Fear of death
    • Jesus death on the cross, his burial and resurrection secured our final victory over death. Sickness and dying is not the end for the believer. Eternal life with Jesus is real. As sad as it is to lose our loved ones who are followers of Jesus, that is not the end of their story. We shall meet again.
    • We live our lives with wisdom, but not in fear of death. This should actually be one of the hallmarks for those who are followers of Christ. Life on earth is temporary, but life after death is eternal. Death has lost its sting. Sorrow may last for a moment, but joy comes in the morning.
    • Whether by the virus, some other disease, accident or old age, we will not escape physical death. But the free gift of God to us is eternal life in His Son.
  • Fear of the future
    • Move on – Jesus final command to us was GO. Yes, he told them to wait for the empowerment of the Spirit, but then there was an expectation that they should go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world.
    • Especially during lockdowns and crisis, people need the message of hope found in Jesus. Expressions of going can include the following:
      • Acts of kindness to others
      • Personal prayer for people
      • Sharing the gospel so that all have heard
    • None of us know the future, but we can always share the good news about Jesus, who is holding our future in His hands. Jesus said there will be trouble in this world, but take heart, He has overcome the world. Since Jesus is already in your “future”, it is always safe to move in His direction.

Don’t worry, Move on. Receive boldness to reach out to people today. Call them, write to them, FB message them, have a meal with them. Move on and watch God make a way where there seems to be no way. Move on and give God glory for His faithfulness to His promises and His word. Move on and see the salvation found in Jesus on full display. Move on to shed the shackles of fear of paralysis of the “what if’s”. Move on out of your sleep and slumber to begin exercising your faith. Move on through your Goliath to fulfull your calling befroe the Lord. 

The Angel of the Lord parted the waters and invited the nation of Israel to “Move On”. On this Fear Not Friday, ask God for help; claim His promises; speak life to your fears; and take the next step of faith. You will be moving on.

Blessings Love y’all