It Is Time to Move: Trusting God’s Call to Progress

Devotional

Day 1: Move Forward Without Looking Back

God calls His people to move forward into new seasons, leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of the past. Looking back can lead to stagnation, regret, or even destruction, as seen in the story of Lot’s wife. When God opens a new chapter, He asks for trust and obedience, not nostalgia for what was left behind. The journey may be uncertain, but the promise is that God is leading into something greater. [19:34]

Genesis 19:17, 26 (ESV)
17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”
26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Reflection: Is there something in your past you keep longing for or returning to, even though God is calling you forward? What would it look like to fully release it and trust Him with your next step today?

Day 2: Move in Faith, Even When It’s Hard

The journey from bondage to freedom is not always easy; challenges and temptations to return to old ways will arise. The Israelites longed for Egypt when the road became tough, forgetting God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. Faith means pressing on, even when the way forward is unclear or difficult, believing that God’s plans are better than what was left behind. [16:38]

Exodus 16:2-3 (ESV)
2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness,
3 and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

Reflection: When you face difficulties in your journey of faith, do you find yourself wanting to go back to old habits or comforts? What is one practical way you can choose to trust God’s promise today instead of looking back?

Day 3: Obey God’s Word Promptly and Completely

When God gives a command, He expects His people to respond with urgency and obedience, just as the Israelites were told to eat the Passover meal in haste, ready to move. Delayed obedience or hesitation can mean missing out on God’s deliverance and blessing. God’s instructions are purposeful, preparing His people for the next step in their journey. [11:05]

Exodus 12:11 (ESV)
11 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.

Reflection: Is there something God has asked you to do that you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to respond with immediate obedience today?

Day 4: Believe in God’s Limitless Power to Deliver

God’s power to deliver is not limited by circumstances, whether it’s the Red Sea before the Israelites or prison walls around Peter. When God says move, He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Faith is required to step out, trusting that God will open doors and break chains, even when the situation appears impossible. [27:49]

Acts 12:7-8, 10 (ESV)
7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.
8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.

Reflection: Where do you feel trapped or powerless right now? Ask God to show you His power in that area and take one step of faith, trusting Him to open the way.

Day 5: Put on the Garment of Faith and Move

Moving into a new season requires a spiritual readiness—putting on the garment of faith, being prepared to act, and not remaining passive. Just as runners prepare for a race, believers must be spiritually dressed and focused, ready to move when God calls. Faith is not just belief but action, stepping out in confidence that God is leading and equipping for what lies ahead. [34:03]

Ephesians 6:13-15 (ESV)
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Reflection: What does it mean for you to “put on the garment of faith” today? How can you actively prepare yourself to move forward in the direction God is calling you?

Sermon Summary

The love of God is unfailing, and in this season, God is calling us into new beginnings. We are being led from one level to another, and it is crucial that we do not look back but move forward with faith and urgency. Just as God instructed the Israelites to eat the Passover meal in haste, with their belts fastened and shoes on, ready to depart Egypt, we too must be prepared to move when God calls. The act of putting on the belt and shoes was a sign of readiness, a declaration that they were not staying in the place of bondage but stepping into the unknown, trusting in God’s promise.

Looking back, as Lot’s wife did, leads only to destruction and stagnation. The temptation to return to what is familiar, especially when the journey gets tough, is strong. The Israelites longed for the comforts of Egypt when faced with challenges, forgetting that God was leading them to a land flowing with milk and honey. We must resist the urge to retreat to old patterns or comforts, and instead trust in the limitless power of God, who always has something greater ahead.

Faith is not passive; it requires action. The woman with the issue of blood understood her moment and pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus, despite her challenges. Her faith moved her to act, and she received her healing. Similarly, when Peter was imprisoned, the angel told him to get up quickly, put on his clothes and sandals, and follow. Peter’s obedience, even in confusion and fear, led to miraculous deliverance.

This is a call to move forward, to put on the garment of faith, and to step out even when the way is unclear. Prayer and support from others are important, but ultimately, each person must believe and act on God’s word for themselves. God is leading us from bondage to freedom, from limitation to abundance. Let us not be found looking back, but moving forward in faith, ready for the greater things God has prepared.

Key Takeaways

1. Readiness Precedes Breakthrough God’s instruction to the Israelites to eat in haste, with belts fastened and shoes on, teaches that spiritual readiness is essential for breakthrough. We must live in a posture of expectation, prepared to move when God speaks, rather than settling into comfort or complacency. Readiness is an act of faith that honors God’s timing and direction. [11:27]
2. Looking Back Limits Destiny The story of Lot’s wife and the Israelites’ longing for Egypt reveals that looking back to old comforts or past seasons can hinder or even destroy what God wants to do next. True progress in God requires letting go of the past, even when the future feels uncertain or difficult. Trusting God means believing that what lies ahead is greater than what is left behind. [19:40]
3. Faith Requires Action, Not Just Belief The woman with the issue of blood did not just believe Jesus could heal her; she acted on her faith by pushing through the crowd. Faith is made complete by action, especially when circumstances are challenging. God honors those who move forward in faith, even when it requires courage and persistence. [23:09]
4. Obedience Unlocks the Miraculous Peter’s deliverance from prison came when he obeyed the angel’s command to get up quickly and follow, even though it seemed impossible. Miracles often require us to respond in faith to God’s word, even when we do not fully understand. Obedience in the face of uncertainty positions us to experience God’s limitless power. [27:20]
5. Personal Faith is Essential for Movement While the prayers of others are valuable, each person must personally believe and act on God’s word to experience deliverance and progress. No one can move forward on your behalf; faith must be lived out individually. God calls us to put on the garment of faith and step out, trusting Him for the journey ahead.

** [31:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:18] - The Unfailing Love of God
[03:21] - Entering a Season of New Beginnings
[06:03] - Lessons from the Passover: Readiness to Move
[11:05] - The Significance of the Belt and Shoes
[13:40] - Facing Forward: The Runner’s Posture
[15:10] - The Temptation to Look Back
[16:38] - Complaints in the Wilderness
[18:45] - The Danger of Looking Back: Lot’s Wife
[20:30] - Moving Without Knowing
[22:37] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood: Faith in Action
[24:43] - Peter’s Imprisonment and Deliverance
[27:20] - Obedience and the Miraculous
[31:20] - The Necessity of Personal Faith
[34:03] - Do Not Be Found Looking Back
[36:15] - Prayer and Moving Forward
[38:24] - The Call to Move into Greater Things
[44:06] - Closing and Final Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 12:11 (ESV) — > In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover.

Genesis 19:17, 26 (ESV) — > And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” ... But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Luke 8:43-48 (ESV) — > And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” ... And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Acts 12:7-8 (ESV) — > And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”

Observation Questions

In Exodus 12:11, what specific instructions did God give the Israelites about how to eat the Passover meal, and what was the purpose of these instructions?
According to Genesis 19:17, 26, what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back, and why was this significant?
In the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), what actions did she take to receive her healing?
When the angel appeared to Peter in Acts 12:7-8, what did the angel tell him to do, and how did Peter respond? [27:20]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God wanted the Israelites to be ready to move quickly, with their belts fastened and shoes on, instead of eating the Passover meal in a relaxed way? What does this say about spiritual readiness? [11:27]
What does Lot’s wife’s decision to look back reveal about the dangers of longing for the past, even when God is leading us somewhere new? [19:40]
The woman with the issue of blood didn’t just believe Jesus could heal her—she acted on her faith. What does this teach us about the relationship between faith and action? [23:09]
Peter obeyed the angel’s instructions even though he was in a difficult and confusing situation. How does obedience, even when we don’t fully understand, position us to experience God’s power? [27:20]

Application Questions

The Israelites had to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to be ready for change? What would it look like for you to “put on your belt and shoes” in that area? [11:27]
Lot’s wife looked back and missed out on what God had for her. Are there any “comfort zones” or past situations you keep looking back to, even though you know God is calling you forward? What is one step you can take to let go? [19:40]
When the journey gets tough, the Israelites wanted to return to Egypt. When you face challenges, do you find yourself wanting to go back to old habits or situations? How can you remind yourself to trust God for what’s ahead? [16:38]
The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd despite her challenges. Is there something in your life that you need to push through in faith right now? What would it look like to take action instead of waiting passively? [23:09]
Peter’s deliverance required him to get up and follow the angel, even though it didn’t make sense. Is there an area where God is asking you to obey, even if you don’t have all the answers? What’s holding you back from taking that step? [27:20]
The sermon said that while others can pray for you, you must personally believe and act on God’s word. Is there a promise or direction from God that you need to take ownership of in your own life? How can you move from just hearing to actually doing? [31:20]
The call is to move forward, not to be found looking back. What practical steps can you take this week to focus on what God has ahead for you, rather than what’s behind? [34:03]

Sermon Clips

All they needed to do is put on their belts and drag it into their belt. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. All they needed to do is take him at his word. All they needed to do is believe in the vision. All they needed to do is believe. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. So, it was important for them to put on the garment. When you are not going anywhere and you are at home. You are relaxed. You take off your shoes. You relax. Because you are not going anywhere. Wear your garments. Wear your garments. [00:12:37] (61 seconds) #FaceForwardAsOne

As a church, as Kingdom Monday. As a church, as Kingdom Monday. We have to face forward. [00:13:38] (15 seconds)

The temptation to want to go back when it seems like it gets tough. You will find that you need to move to the next stage. When you move, it will get tough. If you move, you will get tough. Sometimes you want to say it was better, but you don't know that it is limiting you. You don't know that you are actually placing yourself where you will be stagnant. Hallelujah. [00:15:29] (32 seconds) #EmbraceTheNextStage

So as the Israelites moved, they didn't know that something greater is coming. When the Israelites moved, they didn't know that something greater is coming. When the Israelites moved, they didn't know that something greater is coming. When they realized what was so big ahead of them, they started complaining. They said that Egypt was so much better. How are we going to cross this Red Sea now? They thought they were going to die. It didn't make sense. But I say to you, trust God and His Word. [00:16:23] (41 seconds) #TrustBeyondTheUnknown

As we move, we must not be found looking back. Hallelujah. Amen. When God calls you to move, don't hold back. Don't hold back. And God had a reason Hallelujah. He sends an angel to tell the Lord, take your family and move. And move. And move. I'm not done looking back. I'm not done there yet. Come and look back. Do not look back. Do not look back. [00:18:37] (61 seconds) #NoLookingBackMoveForward

This new season the church has entered into. It is calling us to move. It is calling us to move. And God didn't say there won't be any challenges. And even when it gets tough. Because we won't look back. We won't look back. We won't look back. We won't look back. We won't look back. No, we are moving. We are going to fight. We are going to fight. Hallelujah. [00:21:39] (34 seconds) #UnwaveringFaithInMotion

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