Moving Forward With God
Moving forward with God requires trusting in His plan and guidance, even when we foresee potential trials or consequences.
Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord, emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous in following God's commands, as seen in Joshua 1:5,6. She highlights the commitment of the people in Exodus 24:3 to obey all the words of the Lord. Tileston encourages believers not to fear the consequences of obeying God's call, but to trust in His guidance and provision, even in the face of trials and uncertainties. She warns against looking back or doubting God's ability to sustain us on the path He has set before us, stressing the need for unwavering faith and obedience.
Text
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong, and of a good courage.
JOSHUA 1:5,6
And all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.
EXODUS 24:3
OUR Lord teaches us not to shrink from the consequences which we may see to be involved in any course of duty which we have undertaken. He leads us to accept the results of any high choice as they open to our mind,--to regard trustfully, in every act of self-dedication, in every resolve we are led to make, whatever possibilities there may be of coming trial, foreseen or unforeseen,--to realize in calmness the future, whatever that future may be. If the calling of God is clear, if the sense of duty become the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, ever leading onward, the vision of the cross ought not to hinder our going forward. For one who has put his hand to the plough to look back is to become unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven. And equally so it must be to disobey God, if distrust of His upholding us in the course along which He would guide our steps, whatever trial may meet us in the path, becomes a stumbling-block or hindrance to our faith.
T. T. CARTER
Sermon Outline
- Moving Forward with God
- The Call of God and Our Response
- Overcoming Distrust and Fear
- Recognizing the Stumbling-Block of Distrust
- Casting Aside Fear and Doubt
- Moving Forward with Faith
Key Quotes
“For one who has put his hand to the plough to look back is to become unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“And equally so it must be to disobey God, if distrust of His upholding us in the course along which He would guide our steps, whatever trial may meet us in the path, becomes a stumbling-block or hindrance to our faith.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We must trust in God's plan and guidance, even when we foresee potential trials or consequences.
- We should not look back when following God's call, as it can hinder our progress and make us unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven.
- We can overcome distrust and fear by recognizing the stumbling-block of distrust and casting aside fear and doubt.