Greetings from Elkton, MD!
Have you ever been trapped in your comfort zone knowing you need to move on, but you put up with it because you’re afraid to let go? Trust is hard. You feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place, so you retreat to what you know. After all, you can’t see the future and you’re afraid of the unknown. It’s amazing what the Holy Spirit can do, however, when we have an open heart and an open mind!
Step in. Push. Move. These are the words given to me this past Sunday in church as we were in worship. The Holy Spirit was moving powerfully and the more we pressed in and worshipped the Lord, the more He moved. A word was given based on two stories about the Israelites crossing water. In the first story they were fleeing Egypt and faced a terrifying decision to cross the Red Sea or be slaughtered by Pharaoh’s army. They cried out to the Lord and asked to be returned to their comfort zone, Egypt. But look at what God said to Moses: “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to MOVE on! Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can GO through the sea on dry ground.” (Exodus 14:15-16)
In a parallel story, the Israelites were later camped across the Jordan River looking into the Promised Land occupied by the Canaanites. Just like Moses was commissioned to confront Pharaoh, Joshua was commissioned to battle for Canaan. The Jordan was at flood stage and although the Promised Land was their destination, the Israelites had no idea how they would cross the river and then face the Canaanites. But God told Joshua: “Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters GO and stand in the river.’” They put their feet in the water, and it stopped flowing, rising in a heap. They then walked to the middle and stood until all the Israelites had crossed over. God moves when earth moves!
The Holy Spirit used these stories in the service to tell us to take the first step and walk into the living water. Push forward and move in our worship. He said that God has more to pour out over us. As I pressed in with prayer and worship, I saw a vision of me stepping into a river of water. As I did, I knew I was moving for Calvary, our leadership, you. I pushed the anointing of the Holy Spirit from Maryland to Alameda. Healing, deliverance, forgiveness, breaking of strongholds and comfort zones streamed to Calvary. I kept pushing as hard as I could, and the power of the Holy Spirit moved and rested over our church. What does all of this mean?
If you want to see true change, true victories in your life, you have to do something different. You can no longer sit in your comfort zone wondering when the Lord will show up. You can’t let fear of the unknown stop you from securing everything God has for you. You can’t sit in your seat waiting like a spectator for something to happen. He’s almost frustrated saying, “Look, I’ve brought you out of some rough spots before. Haven’t I shown you time and again that my grace is sufficient? I’m throwing a big party and I want you there…to participate in your own redemption and transformation…to step out in faith. It’s all here, right here. So, get up! It’s time for action! Trust me. Step In! Push forward! Move! And watch the chains break in your faith, your health, your finances, your family.
Church, it’s time to face our fears and move forward. Even Jesus moved first. Ironically, He was baptized in the Jordan River before the Lord anointed Him and His ministry. He also took the first step for salvation by sacrificing His life for us so that we could be saved, forgiven and free. We serve an awesome God who loves us more than we can imagine. He has great plans for you and for us as a church. Let’s give Him the praise and glory He deserves. Press in and don’t stop moving until you receive all the blessings and breakthroughs, He has for you. And this Sunday when we come together to worship, take the roof off the house! It doesn’t matter how you feel. It matters how you praise! Clap a little louder, visit a worship station, take communion, come to the altar, raise an extra “Hallelujah!" Step out in faith knowing that God has made a way. Walk into your freedom and embrace your future. He’s just waiting for you to make the first move. I’ll be there with you in spirit and watching from Maryland!
In love,
Pastor Peggy
Prayer
LORD,
Thank You for Your living Word; it strengthens, empowers, encourages and blesses. Holy Spirit, You give me power, love, and self-discipline. Guide me to step out and walk in my freedom. Jesus, I embrace my future because I embrace You and I am not letting go. AMEN!
