THE FAMILIAR THINGS OF THE PAST

A good past is like a big comfortable armchair that is always inviting and relaxing. Once you step into that familiar place and experience comfort and safety, it is hard to trade it for the unknown. Often when faced with difficulties or things not working out as planned, we are quick to revert to the past because it is familiar.

An example would be a young bride who realizes that marriage requires work and might opt to return to the comforts of home. We pray for promotions and deliverance, yet when challenges arise, we become discouraged and want to retreat to the safety of the past. Although there is some comfort in what is familiar, there is no growth there. Changes are necessary for life because we develop through them. The children of Israel are a prime example. They were in bondage in Egypt for 430 years and they spent most of their time crying out to God for deliverance from their captivity. God sent Moses, His servant, along with Aaron, his brother, to deliver them. Through a series of miraculous events, they miraculously left Egypt and journeyed through the Red Sea. Everything was going well; they had manna from heaven that rained daily and water to drink. God preserved their clothing and their sandals. The moment they faced a challenge, they murmured and complained about Moses, who risked his life for them. (Exodus 15:22-27).

God expects us to grow and bear fruit. The challenges we face in this life prepare us for eternity. Challenges teach us self-discipline, denial, implicit trust, and unswerving faith in God and His promises. Many are afraid to explore new things because of the fear of failure. However, failure can become one of our biggest opportunities. We gain knowledge about what doesn’t work, and it builds our resilience to persevere through difficulties.

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