forward by faith

Forward by Faith
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible (Heb.11:24-27). Hidden in these verses is a short phrase that revealed Moses’ approach to life, “for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” There was no shortage of uncertainty in Moses’ life. How could someone “slow of speech” address Pharaoh? How could a murderer become God’s chosen? How could anyone hope to lead the stiff-necked Israelites? And how were they to ever cross the Red Sea, conquer Canaan, or survive 40 years on the move in the harsh desert? Moses knew what the Lord expected of him, but he had no idea what that might look like. Like us, Moses had no supernatural vision into the future. He had no way of seeing the outcome of his obedience. This man of God moved forward by faith, trusting in the Lord’s power to guide him and protect him. Like us, Moses derived his security solely from God, who consistently kept His promises. The path forward hasn’t gotten much clearer in the millennia since Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land. As a new year begins, we all look forward and wonder what’s to come. Will I get the virus? Will I lose my job? What happens to my family if I pass away? How can I ever accomplish all I have to do today? Thankfully, the source of our security hasn’t changed since the days of Moses. Folks, God is still the only certainty in this life. We learn from Moses’ life to cling tenaciously to the Lord daily. Even when situations before us look hopeless, we are in God’s sovereign hands. Even when the way forward is yet unclear, God walks before us. So, like Moses, we must move forward by faith and endure as seeing Him who is invisible.
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg+

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