Stepping Into Your Promised Land: Finding Courage to Pursue God's Purpose

God doesn't give us the full picture of our calling and destiny all at once. Why? Because if we saw everything at once, we might say, "That's too big. There's no way I can do that." Instead, He reveals our path gradually, keeping us connected to Him throughout the journey.

When Moses sent twelve spies to explore the Promised Land, ten returned fearful of the giants they saw. But two—Joshua and Caleb—focused on God's promise rather than the obstacles. They understood that what matters isn't what problems look like, but what God has said.

What Does It Mean to Have a Charge to Move Forward?

Every believer has a charge to move forward—both as part of the church and individually. God doesn't want us stagnant or lazy. He wants us advancing toward His purposes.

The church isn't built on the gifts of a few but on the sacrifices and service of many. Your role might seem small, but it's significant because it contains a seed of something greater. When you're faithful with little, God will grow it into something more substantial.

Ephesians 4:6 reminds us that the "effective working by which every part does its share causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." Each person has a purpose in the body of Christ.

How Do We Find Our Path to God's Promises?

The path to our promises is paved with obedience. The more we follow, the more God reveals. Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land."

Everything we'll ever need in this life has already been positioned for us by God. Like hidden treasures in a video game, there are blessings God has pre-positioned that we'll only discover through obedience and getting in position to receive them.

How Is God's Presence Different for Believers Today?

For the Israelites, God was with them. For believers today, God is in us. This is a profound difference. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged."

God no longer just visits—He inhabits us. His presence isn't seasonal; it's personal and permanent. First Corinthians 6 teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

The more you grow in Christ, the more sensitive your spiritual ears become. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice." You'll begin to recognize His spiritual nudges guiding you in the right direction.

Do We Need Special Strength to Pursue God's Promises?

We don't have to pursue God's promises in our own strength. His unlimited power within us makes the impossible attainable. Matthew 19:26 reminds us that "with God all things are possible."

God desires to lead us to our blessings—and yes, also to our responsibilities. We all have responsibilities in the kingdom, but God is with us and in us to help us fulfill them.

Going After Your Calling

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul writes about pressing on toward the goal, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Even this mature apostle recognized the need to keep moving forward.

Progress in Christ isn't about where you've been but where you're willing to go. While there may be times when we need to address past wounds or strongholds, our focus should be on moving forward in faith.

What Does Your Promised Land Look Like?

Every believer has a promised land—a purpose and destiny God has prepared. Joshua 1:3 says, "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given you."

Your promised land might look different from someone else's. For some, it might be freedom from addiction. For others, it might be restoration of relationships, fulfillment of calling, or developing spiritual fruit.

God knows our needs before we do. When we seek Him first (Matthew 6:33), everything else falls into place. Remember, God is not the means to a goal—He is the goal. Freedom, provision, and blessing are wonderful, but our primary pursuit should be God Himself.

What Are the Keys to Possessing God's Promises?

There are three key principles for possessing your promised land:

1. Choose Courage Over Comfort

Growth begins where comfort ends. Like Joshua and Caleb who were willing to face giants while others wanted to return to Egypt, we must choose courage over comfort. Psalm 27:1 reminds us, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"

2. Choose Faith Over Fear

Strength isn't the absence of fear but the decision to move forward anyway. We move forward based on God's Word, knowing that no weapon formed against us will prosper.

3. Choose Obedience Over Options

God's blessings follow the footsteps of obedience. Many of the things He has positioned for us are waiting for us to take steps of obedience. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God "rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Like Abraham who was willing to sacrifice Isaac, trusting that "God will provide," we must choose obedience even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds.

Life Application

This week, take time to reflect on what your promised land might be. What has God been nudging you toward that requires courage, faith, and obedience?

Ask yourself:

• Where have I been choosing comfort over courage in my spiritual journey?

• What fears have been preventing me from stepping out in faith?

• In what area is God asking for my obedience right now?

• Am I seeking God Himself or just His blessings?

Remember that God has already positioned everything you need for your journey. Take that first step of faith, and watch how He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Your promised land awaits—not just as a destination, but as a journey of growing closer to God with every step.

Pastor Steve