“Go Forward”

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.”

How many times have I agonized over a decision after getting the thought to take a step, but worrying about making a mistake, and really wishing I could see the final result before taking the first step! This is how we develop our spiritual sense — by trusting the “still, small voice,” and going forward without seeing more than the first step. One of our hymns makes this point, “One step enough for me.”

The Israelites were given a huge first step out of Egypt, across the Red Sea — and, yet, three days later, there they were, doubting and complaining again, and wanting to turn back. How often does that happen to us?

I have found that my confidence in that still, small voice is usually a function of how well I am living in obedience to it each day. When I am “in the right mind,” I find it easier to take the steps God gives me without worrying where they will lead. When I am fearful about taking the next step, or complaining that I don’t know where it will lead, that is a good indication I have not been living in obedience to God and I had better get on my knees in repentance and trust in Him.

We all have the spiritual sense required to hear God’s voice. It is the only thing that connects us with our Maker. Cultivating that sense and living in obedience to it is about the most important thing we can do. And it is the only way to a successful, satisfying life.