When the Israelites stood near the shore of the Red Sea and saw Pharaoh’s army approaching – a symbol for sin – the Israelites were filled with fear. Perhaps they thought to themselves: "We are not going to make it!" Their immediate goal of leaving Egypt seemed totally out of reach.

Sometimes we read with great amazement about some of the things the Israelites did. In 1. Corinthians 10 the apostle Paul tells us about their various transgressions even though they had witnessed God's miracles. As a result, many of them missed out on their ultimate goal of entering the Promised Land.

When we compare ourselves with them, we might even feel superior to them! But have you ever asked yourself why you aren't making progress in your relationship with God?

How about the symbolism of the upcoming festival season? Is it possible that our old habits catch up with us just a few days after the Feast of Unleavened Bread? How quickly can that happen to us after we kept the Feast that pictures our commitment to overcome sin? How soon after the Feast do we say or do something that we later regret?

But let’s not become discouraged. The spring festival season pictures the renewal of our relationship to God and of our commitment to walk with Him until the end of our physical lives. Sometimes we do stumble along the way. That’s why we always need to be willing to confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10).

When the Israelites stood on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea and wondered how they would ever get out of Egypt, God told them through Moses: "Tell the children of Israel to go forward!" (Exodus 14:15).

That exhortation applies to us as well. We have made a decision to go God’s way, and God is willing and able to help us in our battle against sin. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). That's why Paul could say: "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). With His help, we can be victorious. Just keep your eye on the goal!

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!