What God Taught Me about Strategy and New Beginnings
It's confirmed. You're moving forward.
Now what?
We can easily be overwhelmed by a new beginning when we don't have a plan. I believe the best plans are often the simplest, so we're going to keep this simple.
Identify who is with you and the value they bring to you.
The first ten chapters of the book of Numbers in the Bible are God's instructions to the Isrealites for camping and moving. He begins with advising Moses to take a census of the entire community, using the leaders God assigned to help identify those who have the capacity to fight.
You need someone in your corner you can trust. Ask God who has He appointed to take the journey with you. Are they a leader or a fighter? Identify their role in your success, then trust them to do it.
And if you feel like you have no one, it could be that God is making space for who He knows you need to complete the journey. Pray until they come, knowing that in the meantime His Spirit will fill the empty spaces.
Prepare for the journey.
Have you ever traveled with someone that was not prepared for the trip? Frustrating, isn't it. You must take the time to get ready. God ordered Moses to purify the camp, set up rules on how they should treat one another, required offerings, dedication of the Tabernacle and celebration of the Passover. They had to consecrate themselves for what was to come.
Are you ready for what's to come? Don't be in such a rush to leave that you don't leave well.
Be patient enough to listen and obey the God who promised you your promise land.
Once you're ready, follow Him only.
"When you move, I move, just like that..." ~Ludacris
The Israelites were ready. How do we know? God set a cloud in place to be their guide.
On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up,the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. ~Numbers 9:15-17
A cloud. God made it obvious. I got you, if you follow me.
Prepare yourself for the obvious, and when you see it... make a move.
And finally, this old song title says it all for me...
Dance with one that brung ya.
The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.” ~Numbers 10:34-36
Rise up, Lord! Return, Lord. The move was a collaboration between God and His children. From morning till night, they were in it together.
Are you true to this? God needs your LOYALTY! How amazing could the journey be if we were to call on the Lord day and night, reminding Him that we believe in Him and trust Him?
Make sure God, and everyone else, sees your loyalty. Don't expect Him to do all the work. Put some skin in the game. Dance with the one that brung ya.
Breaking camp is not easy, but with God all things are possible.
Next week, I will share what you all have taught me about breaking camp. See you then.
