By: Lauren Thomas
When we feel stuck, it can be helpful to identify where we are, where we’ve come from, and where we are going. This is especially beneficial as we examine our spiritual lives. What has God brought us out from? Where are we now? Where is God planning to bring us?
And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers.
Deuteronomy 6:23 ESV
The Israelites experienced this as a physical progression: they were “brought out” from slavery in Egypt to be “brought in” to the Promised Land. But in between those places, there was a place of processing. It was a place where they were “stuck” for 40 years.
Though they had physically left Egypt, Egypt was still within them. Part of the wilderness process was about getting “brought out” of Egypt on the inside. They had to get rid of Egypt within them before they could receive the blessings of God in a physical place.
If you feel stuck, maybe there is a purpose in the stuck-ness. Perhaps that stuck feeling is God processing Egypt out of your heart. God has a Promised Land prepared for us, but before He can “bring us in”, usually there is something we need to be “brought out” of.
To partner with God in this processing, start by asking yourself, “where has God brought me out from?” List the sins, influences, patterns, and people that God has brought you out from. Then ask, “where am I going?” Describe how you hope to look conformed to the image of God’s Son (Romans 8:29). Describe your thoughts, attitudes, actions, and character as a sanctified daughter of God. Now, ask yourself, “what Egypt is still in me?” Identify any remaining sins, unhealthy patterns, distractions, etc. that have continued to live within you. Now, repent, and ask God to process the Egypt out of your heart. Ask Him to bring you out, and then to bring you in, to what He has planned for you.
God brought you out to bring you in. It is for freedom He has set you free!
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 ESV
Reflection:
Complete the above examination of your heart. How do you relate to Israel and their period of wilderness wondering?
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