October 22, 2026

Going to the Next Level

Scripture

Across the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this Law, saying, “The Lord our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn and set out on your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites, and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country, in the lowland, in the Negev, by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates. See, I have placed the land before you; go in and take possession of the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and their descendants after them.’”

Deuteronomy 1:5–8 NASB

Many of us have become comfortable with life—our homes, jobs, families, clothes, and churches. Comfort can keep us from moving forward. God told Israel, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.” In other words, it was time to go to the next level. The Israelites had bread, water, and a place to camp, but the Promised Land was ahead. There were enemies to face and obstacles to overcome.

Little Red Riding Hood had to travel through the woods and confront the wolf before reaching her grandmother’s house. The enemy was disguised, but she kept going until she reached her destination. We, too, must go over the rivers, through the woods, and beyond every distraction to reach God’s purpose.

First, understand your responsibility to the local church. Every believer should belong to and support a church where they receive direction, grow in God’s Word, discover solutions, use their gifts, fellowship with other believers, pray for their pastor, and help carry the vision through faithful giving. Second, reject the wilderness mentality that accepts failure. Israel almost missed the promise because ten spies focused on the giants, while Joshua and Caleb trusted God. Failure may knock you down, but you have not failed unless you refuse to get back up. God responds to faith, not fear. Renew your mind with His Word and keep moving. Thomas Edison tried repeatedly before producing the light bulb. His setbacks did not stop his purpose. Your setbacks do not have to stop you. Deuteronomy 20:1–4 reminds us that God goes with us to fight for us and give us victory. If Little Red Riding Hood reached her destination, what about you? Leave the mountain, face the obstacles, trust God, and go to the next level!