Breaking the Chains of the Past

Before you came into existence, there were your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, and the lineage continues far back into history. Along this ancestral line, altars were raised, covenants were made, words were spoken, and cultural practices were established. Just like DNA, these spiritual and cultural patterns have been passed down from generation to generation. The Bible acknowledges the weight of such generational patterns: “The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation”  Numbers 14:18, NKJV. This verse highlights how the consequences of sin can linger across generations, yet it also points to God’s mercy, which offers a way to break free.

Many traditions were shaped by man-made laws. In some, women were forbidden from certain actions, facing specific consequences if they transgressed, men had to undergo specific rites of passage in a cirtain way, such as circumcision. Within your lineage, you may notice relatives whose behaviors are difficult to understand struggles with strange addictions, destructive habits, or boundless anger. While some of these challenges are self-inflicted, others are deeply rooted in generational cycles passed down through spiritual covenants or unresolved ancestral issues.

Consider the tradition of marriage. Elders often seek to understand the background of the family you wish to marry into. Sometimes, jealousy can lead to false accusations. But other times, there may be truths about a family’s history, truths that are uncomfortable or unwanted. As a result, decisions are made: “Our sons or daughters shall not marry into that family!” perhaps because of their reputation, past misfortunes, or even poverty. All this stems from a fear of inheriting a lineage they believe to be “cursed” or flawed.

But here lies the pressing question: Should sons and daughters suffer for the sins of their fathers? Should the covenants of the forefathers be carried into new generations? Absolutely not. God declares “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself”  Ezekiel 18:20, NKJV. This verse affirms that each individual’s destiny is not bound by their ancestors’ sins.

So, how does one break free from this cycle and live a life that is unchained from the past?

The answer start with Baptism ."Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5, NKJV. Baptism is to be immersed in water by an anointed servant of God, and rise a new. It represents dying to the old self and rising anew you.  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV.  To put this into perspective, the entire world underwent a form of baptism. God’s work of bringing order out of chaos begins with water in Genesis 1. His Spirit hovers over “wild and waste” waters, then separates them to form sky, sea, and dry land establishing life’s space,  Noahs flood cleansing the world and saving souls  “who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.” 1 Peter 3:20, NKJV

The Israelites were baptized as they passed through the Red Sea when fleeing Egypt: “all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” 1 Corinthians 10:2, NKJV. Naaman dipped seven times in the Jordan River and was healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:14). Jesus Himself was baptized (Matthew 3:16). Peter, upon seeing the resurrected Christ, jumped into the water from the boat, a symbolic act of transformation (John 21:7).

Baptism marks a new beginning. It is a spiritual reset and this brings us to the cross.

Jesus was crucified to pay the ultimate price for all humanity. His blood, shed on Calvary, is the symbol of redemption, the seal of forgiveness, and the establishment of a new covenant. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."  Ephesians 1:7, NKJV. It is through His sacrifice that humanity was offered reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, you are saved not just from your own sins, but from the spiritual debts of your lineage. By His blood, you are under a new covenant: “Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:20, NKJV. The old has gone; the new has come. Therefore, you do not need to offer any other sacrifice. You do not need to slaughter an animal to appease ancestors or fulfill traditions. You do not need to fear.

What you need is to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ and be made new, and to walk in obedience with God. As it is written, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams 1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV. Through faith in Christ, baptism, and a life of obedience, you can break the chains of the past and walk in the freedom of God’s new covenant.

When You Are The Fırst One To Take The Journey

When you embark on a journey that no one in your family has ever taken before, whether you're a firstborn or simply choosing a different direction, be prepared for challenges. Expect all eyes to be on you, as if facing an adversary determined to prevent your success. The Bible reminds us of this spiritual reality: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” Ephesians 6:12, NKJV. This verse underscores that the resistance you face is not merely human but spiritual, requiring divine strength to overcome.

Consider the experiences of firstborns throughout history; even in biblical times, some were killed, many faced immense trials, often seemingly to hinder them from achieving their destined purpose. The moment you decide to pursue something unprecedented in your family, you might be met with the discouraging phrase, “No one in our family has ever done that.” Creating something for the first time triggers a ripple effect, shaking both the physical and spiritual realms, often leading to discouragement or resistance. Yet, Scripture encourages us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9, NKJV. God’s presence is your assurance as you step into the unknown.

Sometimes, this apprehension stems from a genuine fear of what might happen to you. While such worries can be valid, so too is the power of God. If your mind can conceive it, and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it by God’s grace. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13,NKJV. However, be ready for the storms that will inevitably come because you have disrupted the physical and spiritual realms. In this walk to fulfill your purpose, you will face direct challenges, discouragement even from those you trusted, and betrayal from friends and family. There will be moments when you doubt your mission. But take heart, for Jesus promised, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” John 16:33, NKJV God doesn’t promise to remove the storms from your path, but He does promise to be with you every step of the way. He will be your pillar of strength and guide you toward achieving your dream. As David declared, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust” Psalm 18:2, NKJV. As long as your mission and the fulfillment of your purpose stem from a pure heart, God will be with you. Simply put on the full Armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:13-17, and take the first step; the rest is in His hands. Remember, all creation is already complete. Whether you take a left or make a U-turn, He has already foreseen it. “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” Psalm 139:16, NKJV. Your role is to ask God to align His purpose with yours. Even if your purest heart believes in something that might not be God’s direct will for “the heart is deceitful above all things” Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV God will guide you to your true purpose along the way.

Drawing Strength from Others and Your Legacy

Find hope in those who have taken similar risks, individuals whose families or friends initially doubted them but were ultimately awed by their achievements. Do not be discouraged. Remember, that idea, that purpose pushing you, exists for a reason: the path you will take is not solely for you. Your future generations depend on you. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” Proverbs 13:22, NKJV. Your journey sets a foundation for those who come after you.

Think of how many people have brought their families from their hometowns to work with them abroad or in urban centers, places where they achieved the very purpose they were told they’d never reach. Every step you take, one of your children will follow. Every place you visit, one of your descendants will visit. Children are born into these new destinations. If you do not act on that compelling urge that has occupied your heart and thoughts, you will be preventing an entire generation from fulfilling their destiny.

Your Journey, Guided by God

So, get up and walk; you are not alone. God will guide you just like the cloud that led the Israelites from Egypt: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way” Exodus13:21, NKJV. He will be your rock and provide you with water, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness: “He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths” Psalm 78:15, NKJV. He will part the sea when trouble comes your way, just as He did when Pharaoh’s army pursued the Israelites at the Red Sea, and you will cross over unharmed: “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground” Exodus 14:22, NKJV. When you are hungry, He will send manna your way: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you’” Exodus 16:4, NKJV. And when you are depressed, facing more challenges and wanting to give up, God will send a raven to feed you, as He did for Elijah: “The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening” 1 Kings 17:6, NKJV, because He knows the task ahead. Whatever you do, remain pure in heart, keep praying along the way, and God will guide you into your destiny. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV.

Is Jesus Christ God?

During a heartfelt dinner with my 11-year-old daughter, she looked at me with curious eyes and asked, “Is Jesus God?” Her question prompted a silent prayer for wisdom as I sought to explain this profound truth in a way she could understand. I asked her, “What are you made of?” after a series of back and forth conversation and asking her what are humans made off.  She replied, “A body, a spirit, and a soul.” I explained to her that God created us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), meaning we reflect His nature. Just as a person is made of a body, soul, and spirit and remain one , God exists as a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all making God as one. She nodded thoughtfully and sipped her water, processing the information.

So “Is Jesus Christ God?. The Bible affirms that Jesus is indeed God, a truth woven throughout Scripture and fulfilled through His life, death, and resurrection. Let’s explore this truth and understand why Jesus is God and how His divine identity restores humanity’s relationship with God.

God exists outside time, as Scripture declares: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8). Before creation, Jesus existed as the eternal Word: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This verse clearly identifies Jesus, the Word, as God Himself, present at creation: “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).

God’s foreknowledge is perfect; nothing surprises Him. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 states, “There is nothing new under the sun.” When Satan, a fallen archangel, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9), God already had a plan to redeem humanity.

Before Jesus was physically revealed in Scripture, Satan had a clear mission, to corrupt humanity and lead us into rebellion against God. Knowing he could never attain God’s throne “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations. You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12–14) or experience the kind of intimate love God has for humankind (John 3:16), Satan set out to destroy what God cherishes most: you and me.

His strategy has always been deception, destruction, and death “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). In Eden, he deceived Adam and Eve, causing them to fall and be driven out of God’s presence (Genesis 3:1–24). From that point on, his work has been to lead humanity astray to entice us to sin, rebel against our Creator, and ultimately miss out on God's eternal plan.

Just as Satan fell from heaven due to pride and rebellion (Luke 10:18), his goal is to drag humanity down the same path, out of Eden, away from God's presence, and ultimately away from the promise of eternal life in the new Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21:1–4). In short, when Satan was cast out of heaven, he began targeting everything God loves. And that includes us.

We must remember: Satan did not fall alone, he took a third of the angels with him (Revelation 12:4). These fallen angels, now demons, along with Satan, have influence and operate with powers God originally gave them "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”. (Ephesians 6:12). If Satan dared to tempt Jesus, not once, but three times in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11), it shows the boldness and cunning of his tactics. If he tried to derail the Son of God, how much more will he try to tempt us? And who can then dare take these powers and authority from him?

In Genesis 3, Satan deceived Eve, leading to the fall of humanity and the entrance of sin and death. God immediately announced His redemptive plan: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This prophecy points to Jesus, the descendant of the woman, who would defeat Satan through His death and resurrection.

Satan, aware of this coming “seed,” aware that he can not multiply/reproduce or create life (Genesis 1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16), sought to thwart God’s plan by corrupting humanity and targeting the lineage through which the Messiah would come. From the murder of Abel to the attempts to destroy Israel, Satan’s schemes aimed to prevent the birth of the Savior.

God’s covenant with humanity granted us dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28), and He honors His promises, for “God is not human, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). To redeem humanity without violating this covenant, God Himself entered creation as Jesus Christ. As John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, without any human father (Luke 1:35 (NIV). Jesus is fully God and fully man, the perfect mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Throughout the Old Testament, God foreshadowed Jesus’ coming. The animal sacrifices for sin (Leviticus 4) pointed to Jesus, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The Ark of the Covenant and the Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could enter, prefigured Jesus, our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-12). Prophecies like Isaiah 7:14 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” explicitly affirm Jesus’ divine identity.

When Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again, He fulfilled God’s promise to crush the serpent’s head. Colossians 2:15 states, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Jesus, as God, had the authority to reclaim the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18), stripping Satan of his power.

Even Satan recognized Jesus’ divine authority during the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Yet, he underestimated God’s plan, not fully grasping how Jesus’ death would redeem humanity. As 1 Corinthians 2:8 reveals, “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Just as we are created in God’s image, Jesus is the perfect image of God: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3). Through faith in Jesus, we are transformed to reflect His likeness, and the same power that raised Him from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11). Philippians 2:10-11 proclaims that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

So, is Jesus Christ God? Yes, He is. The Bible affirms His deity, His role in creation, His victory over sin and death, and His eternal reign. As I explained to my daughter, just as we are body, soul, and spirit, God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons. Jesus is the manifestation of God’s love, sent to restore our relationship with Him. As John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Let us live in the truth that Jesus is God, trusting His plan and walking in His love, knowing that one day every knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10).

What is your intention?

Have you ever pondered how God transitions you from one season of life to another? Are you prepared when He calls you to move, and are your heart and actions aligned with His purpose? The key lies in your intentions at every moment. As Proverbs 16:2 reminds us, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” Your intentions, whether in your work, relationships, or daily walk, shape the path God has set before you.

Think about the roles you hold, whether at work, in your community, or within your relationships. What drives your actions? Are your intentions rooted in love, integrity, and service, or are they tainted by envy, scheming, or a desire for personal gain? The Bible warns against impure motives in James 4:3: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” God sees the heart behind every decision, and He honors those who act with sincerity.

You may have experienced moments when things unexpectedly fall into place, opportunities arise, relationships flourish, or success comes effortlessly. Some call it luck or coincidence, but we know that there’s no such thing as coincidence with God. Psalm 37:5 assures us, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” Reflect on those moments: Was your heart aligned with God’s will? Were you committed to His purpose? Your pure intentions create fertile ground for God’s blessings to manifest.

Yes, It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You may see someone else prosper, perhaps through methods you wouldn’t consider righteous and wonder why your efforts don’t yield the same results. Maybe you’ve tried to replicate their approach, only to face setbacks, guilt, or conviction. Why does this happen? Proverbs 14:12 offers insight: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” The paths of others are not yours to follow. Their methods may not align with God’s unique plan for you, and their end is known only to Him.

Comparison is indeed a thief of joy. It distracts you from the work God has called you to do in the present moment. Instead of envying others, focus on cultivating pure intentions in your current season. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Trust that your “Canaan” moment, your season of fulfillment will arrive when you remain faithful.

Wherever you are right now, consider it your Eden, a place God has entrusted to you. In Genesis 2:15, God instructs Adam to “work [the Garden of Eden] and take care of it.” Similarly, you are called to tend and keep the “garden” of your life, your responsibilities, relationships, and opportunities. Be fruitful, multiply, subdue the earth, and have dominion, as God commanded in Genesis 1:28. But there’s one restriction: do not eat the “forbidden fruit.” In other words, guard your heart against corruption, envy, or shortcuts that compromise your integrity.

The world may tempt you to adopt others’ formulas for success, but stay true to the path God has laid out for you. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 urges, “Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Protect your intentions from distractions and discouragement, and trust that God is working through your faithfulness.

Walking with pure intentions requires resilience. The world will test you with challenges, pressure, and criticism, demanding that you develop a “thick skin.” Yet, through it all, the Holy Spirit is your guide and strength. John 16:33 reminds us of Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Your endurance, coupled with godly intentions, will bear fruit in due time.

Keep the faith, knowing that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, guiding your steps and refining your heart. As you walk with pure intentions, trust that God is preparing you for the next season. Your commitment to His purpose will lead to a harvest of blessings, as promised in Matthew 5:8 : “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Keep going. Your intentions matter, and God is faithful to complete the work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Tend your Eden, stay steadfast, and let your heart reflect His glory.

Life

What is life? At some point, we all ponder this question. What is its purpose? Are we merely born to pay bills and die? I believe life is a tapestry of endless possibilities, woven together by God’s divine purpose.

Every person is born at the precise moment God intended. The Bible affirms this in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die.” This suggests that our existence is not random but part of a divine plan, where God, existing outside of time, has already seen the entirety of creation. Psalm 139:16 reinforces this: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Just because we cannot see tomorrow, it does not mean it does not exist in God’s creation.

Life can be pictured to a house with many rooms. Each door we open, each choice we make, leads to new opportunities, whether to a kitchen where things heat up, bedroom, or living room  full of comfort. Choosing one path does not erase the existence of others, much like how God’s sovereignty ensures all possibilities remain within His plan.

God’s ultimate desire is for us to live in harmony with Him, both in this life and the afterlife, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. John 6:40 states, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Yet, we have free will, allowing us to choose our own paths. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Our choices carry consequences, but God’s intervention can guide us toward His purpose.

So how do we discern God’s will? Through prayer and fasting, we align our desires with His. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prayers are not conformed to being lengthy; they can be as simple as a brief moment of gratitude or a silent reflection during your daily commute. Starting and ending your day with prayer opens your heart to God’s vision, enabling you to see, hear, and act according to His guidance. By seeking God’s wisdom, we gain both knowledge and understanding, as James 1:5 promises: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

To know God’s will, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. The Bible is our guide, revealing Christ and inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Through Scripture, we encounter Christ, who sends the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 16:13).

In conclusion, life is a journey of endless possibilities, but its true purpose is found in aligning with God’s will. By prayer, fasting, and reading the Bible, we open the right doors and trusting God to lead us to our divine destination. Let us choose life, as God intends, and walk in His purpose.

When God Ordains the Wait

There are seasons in life that no amount of prayer, fasting, or pleading can hasten or bypass. They are not punishment, nor are they evidence of God’s absence. Rather, they are divine appointments, sacred seasons permitted by God for a purpose far deeper than our immediate comfort. These are the seasons when the heavens feel silent, the heart feels heavy, and our prayers seem to echo back unheard.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."

Yes, even the silence. Even the wilderness. Even the tears.

Consider the Apostle Paul, who speaks vulnerably in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 about a “thorn in the flesh” a burden he pleaded with God to remove:

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” 

God didn’t remove the thorn. He offered grace instead. And sometimes, that is what divine love looks like, not relief, but presence. Not escape, but endurance.

These seasons are often marked by what I call ‘a pregnant silence’ where God seems still, but is deeply at work. We are not the first to feel this. Think of Joseph, unjustly imprisoned for years, seemingly forgotten by man. Or Hannah, who wept bitterly before the Lord for a child, while her womb remained barren (1 Samuel 1). Or even Jesus in Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood, asking that the cup of suffering pass but surrendering:

“Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Waiting is not passive it is active trust. It is where faith matures. As Isaiah reminds us:

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31)

If you find yourself in such a season, blurred vision, weary spirit, unanswered prayers, know this: God has not forsaken you. You cannot pray yourself out of a season God intends to use. But you can pray within it. Ask not merely for deliverance, but for revelation. Say, “Lord, what would You have me see in this season? What are You forming in me?”

Pray for endurance. For clarity. For strength. For the tools you need in the waiting. David, a man after God’s heart, also endured many seasons of silence and distress. Yet in Psalm 27:14, he urges,

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

And indeed, every God-ordained season comes with a God-ordained end. He who begins a good work is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). He never wastes pain, silence, or waiting. And when the season shifts, because it will, you will see clearly what was once blurry. You will understand what once confused you. You will reap a harvest if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

So hold fast. Let hope anchor you. Let faith lead you. And let the silence teach you to listen. For God is working, even when He whispers. And His timing is never late.

Who Is Your Pharaoh?

Who rules your heart?

We are slaves to whatever or whoever rules our hearts. Just as Pharaoh ruled over Egypt with a heavy hand, sin often rules over our lives, enslaving our thoughts, our decisions, and our desires.

“You are slaves of the one you obey whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.”
— Romans 6:16

God sent ten plagues to Egypt, ten opportunities for Pharaoh to soften his heart. Yet, time and again, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let God’s people go. In the same way, how many times has God reached out to us, through conviction, through His Word, through others and how many times have we hardened our hearts, refusing to let go of the sin that enslaves us?

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah.”
— Psalm 95:7-8

The journey from Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land, should have taken only 11 days. But because of disobedience, unbelief, and clinging to the past, it took the Israelites 40 years. None of the original generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, entered the Promised Land.

“Because of your unbelief… you shall not enter the land which I have given them.”
— Numbers 14:22-23 (paraphrased)

Egypt represents the environment of sin that we’ve grown accustomed to. When we are saved, when we begin our walk with God, the path to the life He promises is clear and often short. But if we carry our old habits, our idols, and our disbelief with us, we risk wandering in spiritual wilderness.

We build golden calves when the promise seems too far, too slow, or too hard. We search for quick fixes, just like the Israelites did, and in doing so, we may miss the full experience of God’s salvation.

“They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass.”
— Psalm 106:20

If we refuse to surrender, the next generation, those born in transformation, may be the ones to enter into what God had originally intended for us.

Remember, 40 years can represent a long, difficult period, and 11 days can represent a short, direct path. It all depends on the condition of your heart and your willingness to obey.

And even when you do reach the gates of your Promised Land, you will face trials. You will face giants. But take heart, there is a promise.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”
— Isaiah 43:2

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
— Exodus 14:14

The Good News is this.

We now have the Holy Spirit, the blood of Jesus, and Christ as our Redeemer and King.

In your “Pharaoh moments,” turn to the Holy Spirit. Open the Bible and begin reading from anywhere, God will guide you. By the blood of Jesus, your sins are forgiven. Your journey of salvation can start today.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9

Even if you fall, even if you stumble seven times, God will lift you up again.

“Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.”
— Proverbs 24:16

The Promised Land is not just a destination, it is the Will of God for your life.

It is the peace, purpose, and presence of God in you and around you. Your journey may take 11 days, 40 years, or it may happen in an instant, but let your heart be ruled by Christ, not by Pharaoh.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1