Moving Forward with God’s Promises

Have you ever felt like life is a hamster wheel—moving but not getting anywhere? The scenery shifts, but soon you’re back in familiar ruts, losing vision, lacking purpose, and longing for direction. This isn’t God’s plan for you. He’s a God of forward motion, guiding you toward His promises (Isaiah 58:11). The Israelites learned this the hard way, wandering in circles for 40 years due to disobedience, unbelief, and rebellion. Their story, retold by Moses in Deuteronomy, speaks to us today. Like them, we can get stuck, influenced by past failures or fear. But God says, “You have been here long enough. It’s time to move on!” (Deuteronomy 2:3). Through Moses’ sermon to a new generation, we’ll uncover how to break free from circular living by keeping our eyes on God’s promises, releasing the past, and stepping boldly into His future.

Israel’s 40-year wilderness wandering wasn’t just a detour—it was a consequence of the first generation’s refusal to trust God’s promise of the Promised Land. Despite miracles—plagues on Egypt, the Red Sea parting, manna from heaven—they balked at Canaan’s giants, choosing fear over faith (Deuteronomy 1:2; 1 Corinthians 10:11). Their rebellion, defined as reserving the right to make the final decision, cost them their inheritance. Only Joshua and Caleb entered. The second generation, born in the wilderness, grew up under this shadow. Raised by parents who rejected God’s Word, they risked inheriting doubt and disobedience (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Moses, in Deuteronomy, preaches with urgency to this new generation. His sermons retell Israel’s history—Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers—reviewing the Covenant, Ten Commandments, and God’s call to “go in and possess the land” 35 times. He warns them not to drift like their parents, who lost hope and drive. Chuck Swindoll reminds us, “Even though your past is soiled, anyone can find a new beginning with God… Grace gives us wings to soar beyond it.” God wants to interrupt our circular journeys, offering hope and courage to move forward. Are you stuck, revisiting old regrets or fears? It’s time to choose a new path.

Hope is the heartbeat of forward motion—the expectation that God’s promises will come true. It works hand-in-hand with faith (Hebrews 11:1). Think of hope as the blueprint God designs, while faith in His Word provides the materials to build. Faith is the “substance” (assurance, title deed) and “evidence” (proof, conviction) of things hoped for but unseen. When the first generation tore up their “title deed” by rejecting Canaan, they discarded hope, dying in the wilderness (Proverbs 13:12). Moses’ task was to rekindle hope in the second generation, urging them to march boldly into their inheritance (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

Hope fueled courage to face Canaan’s seven stronger nations. Without it, fear and doubt could paralyze them. Moses reminded them of their parents’ failure—not God’s abandonment, but their own unbelief. Billy Graham said, “The strongest principle of life and blessing lies in our choice… If you don’t make a decision, then time will make it for you, and time will always side against you.” Choosing life means:

• Exercising faith in God’s Word.
• Placing hope in His promises.
• Loving and obeying God.
• Holding fast to Him.

Hope isn’t passive; it’s a decision to trust God’s future over past failures. What promise are you holding onto to keep hope alive?

Entering the Promised Land required courage. Seven enemy nations, stronger than Israel, stood in their way. Without a spirit of faith, fear could lead to defeat. God assured victory if they marched in obedience (Joshua 1:7-9). Deuteronomy’s purpose was to rally Israel for this conquest, reminding them God’s power was with them. Today, we face our own enemies—not nations, but:

• Temptations and trials.
• Lust, immorality, or anger.
• Addictions, pride, or selfishness.
• Sickness or doubt.

These foes seek to enslave us, but God calls us to victory over the flesh and the devil (1 Corinthians 10:11). Like Israel, we need faith, hope, and courage to conquer. Victory is guaranteed if we believe and obey. Are you facing your battles with God’s strength, or shrinking back in fear?

God declared, “You have been here long enough!” (Deuteronomy 1:6; 2:3). An 11-day journey became 40 years due to rebellion and unbelief. To move forward, the second generation had to:

• Consider the Future: Moses urged them to stop living in the past. The first generation, facing Canaan’s giants, called Egypt’s slavery the “good old days” (Numbers 14:1-4). Distance warped their perspective, making the past seem better. Dwelling on yesterday—regrets, failures, or familiarity—blocks progress. As someone said, “No matter how hard you work for success, if your thought is saturated with fear of failure, it will…make success impossible.” Live today, eyes on God’s future (Philippians 3:13-14).
  
  
• Release Guilt and Shame: The second generation may have carried their parents’ shame for failing to enter Canaan. Guilt paralyzes, but God offers freedom. Paul, despite his past, pressed toward God’s grace and mercy (Philippians 3:13-14). Grieve losses, mourn mistakes, and move on. Confess sins, trusting God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

How do we move on? Deuteronomy 10:12-13 gives five steps:

1. Fear God: Honor and respect Him.
2. Walk with God: Live by His ways, not the world’s.
3. Love God: With all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
4. Serve God: With your time, talents, and treasures.
5. Obey God: As your Creator, Father, and Lord.

Regret saps strength and steals hope. If you’re haunted by past sins or mistakes, confess them to God. He forgives and offers a new life (John 3:16). This week, identify one thing keeping you stuck—guilt, fear, or nostalgia. Write it down, counter it with a promise like 2 Corinthians 5:17, and pray daily, releasing it to God. Keep faith and hope engaged in His promises. Don’t live in the past—live today, with your eyes on the future. God says, “You have been here long enough. It’s time to move on!”

Memory Verse

“You have been traveling around this mountain country long enough. Turn northward.” (Deuteronomy 2:3, ESV)

For more on this topic, listen to our sermon It's Time to Move On: