"The waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at a town called Adam." Joshua 3:16
Can you imagine being there when God split the Red Sea? Can you imagine the incredible joy and freedom the Israelites felt in that moment? All the waiting, praying, hoping, dreaming, and all the time suffering in the desert. The parting of the sea is the crescendo, the climax, the promise fulfilled. Are you in the desert? Are you waiting for a breakthrough? Are you waiting to see God tangibly move in your life?
In Priscilla Shirer's devotional Awaken she writes, "Imagine the joy, then, that began to sweep through Israel as someone on the northernmost part of the formation caught sight of the stunning development of the river. Squeals of delight and excitement would have rippled through the ranks, as the promised word they'd been told but hadn't yet seen was suddenly becoming visible reality."
6 years ago Michael and I set out on a journey to plant a church. God gave us a vision, showed us His heart for His people, and we stepped out on mission. We've been through the desert, the valleys, dark storms, and moments we thought we wouldn't make it. We've battled darkness, cried out to God, and clung to the hope that we have in Jesus. Even in our darkest hours when we felt hopeless God was there. He showed up. He was and is always working. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." He is always working to refine us, make us more like Jesus, and to grow His kingdom.
Today I pause and rejoice for all he has done and is doing in our lives and at Cross Culture Church! 1 Peter 1:8, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy." In the silence, in the darkness, in the unknown He is faithful. He is moving. Today I cry out in gratitude to a God that is glorious, to a God that fulfills his promises, and to my Lord that is always at work whether I see it or not. "The vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3 Watching the vision of CCC come alive, seeing us grow, seeing the vision come to fruition is like watching the Red seas part. I can't contain the inexpressible joy I have in my heart.
God is moving in your life. You will walk in victory, in exuberant joy, and He will fulfill his promises. Even though you may not see it now hold on to the hope you have in Him. He will part the seas in your life if you seek him first.
Let's boldly walk forward through the sea, rejoicing, and giving him all the glory!
See you Sunday,
Mindi Winakur
Cross Culture Church