'When God Moves, We Move'

3,400 years ago, the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan River anticipating the great river crossing into the Promised Land.  It was a transition time from Moses leading to Joshua leading, from desert to Promised Land, from wandering to settling.  They waited on the banks of the river for instructions.  Joshua 3:3–4 says, “You are to move out from your positions and follow [the Ark of the Covenant]. Then you will know which way to go.” God gave them a simple instruction: wait until you see the ark move—then follow. They had learned this rhythm long before, when God first led them out of Egypt.

In Exodus 13:21, God’s presence took visible form—a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The cloud gave shade in the blazing desert heat, and the fire gave light and warmth in the cold darkness. Both would lead the Israelites to know where to go and how long to stay in one place. The Israelites moved only when God moved. If they went ahead or lagged behind, they lost His shade, His light, and His guidance. The results would be fatal in the desert.

We’re called to the same obedience today. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and stay sensitive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Before the church began, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. And when the Spirit came, He moved with tongues of fire and power. Later, in Acts 13:1–4, the believers in Antioch fasted and prayed until the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Only then did they move.

The early church learned what Israel had known: when God moves, we move. It’s easy to keep doing what we’ve always done—same plans, same habits, same pace. But true renewal comes when we slow down, wait, and watch for God’s direction. Programs can’t bring life; only the presence of God can. So, let’s be a people who don’t just work for God, but move with Him.

Blessings to all,

Jonathan