Temptation is not a stage to perform upon. It is not a test to be aced. It is not an opportunity to please Me.
Temptation is one of many battles in the war between your flesh and My Spirit. Do not enter the battle in your own strength. Can the flesh fight against the flesh?
Submit to my Spirit. Recognize the situation for what it is — a battle. It is a battle that only I can win. And nothing pleases me more than to save the one who calls out to Me. Read more »
Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again.
God will fight the battle for you.
And you? You keep your mouths shut!”God said to Moses: “Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. Order them to get moving. Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground.
“Meanwhile I’ll make sure the Egyptians keep up their stubborn chase—I’ll use Pharaoh and his entire army, his chariots and horsemen, to put my Glory on display so that the Egyptians will realize that I am God.”
The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. The Cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The Cloud enshrouded one camp in darkness and flooded the other with light. The two camps didn’t come near each other all night.
Exodus 14:13-20 MSG
What’s chasing you?
We often talk about the idea that God goes before us and leads us. We rest on that fact, trusting Him to clear the way, show us which way to go, and lead us through tough circumstances. But we rarely talk about how God goes behind us.
We see it in this passage. The presence of the Lord shifts from the front to the back. Why? To stand between His people and the force that is pursuing them.
What’s chasing you?
Do you believe that He stands between you and the thing that threatens your peace, your comfort, your provision? The scripture says that He has positioned Himself there to shed light on you and darkness on your enemy.
God asks an interesting question. “Why cry out to Me?” It’s not that He lacks awareness of the situation and the danger they’re in. He’s wondering why they’re worried when He is right there.
God is right there.
So do not worry, friend. He stands between you and your threat. He is bringing light to your situation and He will save you. He will take care of the enemy. Stand firm and watch Him do His work.
Dear child of Mine,
Why do you stay away? Why must I watch from afar while you wrestle with your sins and emotions? I long to be near you.
I gave My life so that you would never stay away, so that you would never keep your distance because of the failures and sins you have committed. I knew you would sin everyday. I died because of that fact. I died to bridge the gap, to draw you close.
It is Satan’s lie that keeps you away. He wants you to think that you can’t come to Me because you have sinned. The truth is that you MUST come to Me because you have sinned. You must! You need my touch. My love. My grace and forgiveness. That is My desire for you– that you would come to Me, confess your sin, and let Me wash it away. That is My utmost purpose as your Savior. I want to draw you in and make you new once again. I long to do it over and over. I never tire of you.
Why do you listen to the lie of the enemy, yet ignore My words of love? I am your connection to grace. To love. To peace. To freedom. Come to Me, child!
I am not looking for perfection. My Father and I are perfect. There is no other. I am looking for you. Just you. You are the one that I love! Whatever you have done… I still love you. I am longing for you, to be with you, to love on you, to forgive and restore you.
You actually make light of My suffering and death on the cross when you stay away. I did it for you. Why would I do it if I thought you could handle being holy and sinless on your own? I did it because you need it. I did it because I love you and I want to have unbroken fellowship with you. Your sin separates you from the Father, but not from Me. I am your Redeemer… come to Me! I will restore you to the Father and we will be one. Come to Me and fall into My embrace.
I am able to save completely those who come to God through Me, because I always live to intercede for you. Hebrews 7:25 (NIV personalized)