Capeless Heroes: A 7-Day Bible Reading PlanSample

Day 5: When Heroes Move

In the comic book world, some superheroes fight to protect their city of origin (like Batman in Gotham), but others have to relocate to another city in order to fulfill their role as protector (Superman in Metropolis). Sometimes you have to leave to receive.

Joshua and the Israelites had been living in the desert for forty years. During this time, God had miraculously provided all their needs. But the time had come to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land God promised them. They could stay in the desert and miss out on God's best, or they could enter Canaan, where there would be challenges, battles, tests ... but also God's abundant grace and the fulfillment of His promises.

We are often faced with a similar choice. 

I don't like to travel. As much as I hate the cost, I also find the planning stressful (and I’m a nervous traveler). I tell my wife that my imagination allows me to go anywhere I want ... for free. She, on the other hand, loves to see the world (and not via my imagination). Yet, some of the best things that have ever happened to me took place far from the comforts of home. 

I became a Christian after leaving my hometown of Zion, Wisconsin, to go stay with my grandparents in Crivitz. If you've ever been lost out on county roads, you know what Crivitz feels like. You are more likely to run into a bear than another human being. And my calling into ministry was confirmed on a flight back to the U.S. from Ireland. I don't often use the phrase, "God spoke to me," but on that flight, God whispered some life-changing words to my heart (and not just because I was 30,000 feet up).

So as much as I hate to travel, I have discovered that some of God's best work happens on the road.

When we leave, we receive;

When we stay, we pay.

Action Step for Today:

Is God asking you to leave a place or situation so you can be in position to experience His best for you? Pray for the wisdom and courage to take that next step so you can cross over to the other side.