Transitional times are often difficult to predict and even harder to navigate. In some sense they can be dangerous or disheartening. In consideration of the children of Israel, there was a “time in-between” which existed from the crossing of the Red Sea until Mount Sinai. Those days were filled with the high’s and low’s of water and drought; praising and complaining. The people had escaped Egypt, but were still a long way from where God wanted them to be. This time proved to reveal their deep rooted flaws.
Marah, the bitter water, was found in those days. Elim, with 12 springs of fresh water and 70 palm trees, was also present. God led them by the Cloud, protecting and directing. Yet, some made a golden calf and faced God’s judgement. This transitional moment tested their resolve and divided them by faith and obedience. They lived through Egypt, but died at the base of Sinai. The thought of it astounds me. That someone could be brought out of generational bondage, pass through the impossible Red Sea on dry ground, only to die in the time of transition.
The urgent matter before us is much the same. We are not where we once were, but we are still a distance from where God is leading. It’s here that we must walk in faith and adhere to the doctrine. When drought confronts us and the answer is a bitter water, we must not lose faith or walk away from our commitment. There will be a revival of joy and provisions. God has never failed. However, in-between the promise and the fulfillment is a testing of the spirit. Furthermore, when we are commissioned to wait as Israel did at the foot of the mountain, we must wait on God’s direction. Philosophies and feel-good doctrines often negate the revelation of the Oneness message and the baptism in Jesus’ name. It hurts my heart to see former Apostolics leave the Truth and support a false doctrine. They were brought out, but now decay in apostasy.
So much can happen in these times. Our focus must be on the Lord and His Gospel. Bible studies and prayer are our mission. Service, sacrifice, and giving should fill our hands. Our words must echo God’s goodness regardless of our circumstances. God is leading us to the place where He wants us to be.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole