Keep Moving Forward with What God Said

Keep moving forward with what God said even when you feel like you’ll be in over your head. Here’s some biblical insights to show you the reason why.


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Did God tell you to do something, but it seems like you’ll be in over your head? Here’s some biblical insights to help you keep moving forward. 

I learned recently when you run across someone else giving a similar message God gave you before you have delivered it to your followers, share it anyway. Don’t let the enemy silence you. God obviously wants to talk to His people some more about that message. Such is the case with this post.

Before I share what’s on my heart, keep the answer to the following question in your mind:

What did God say the last time you heard Him speak to you?

Now read on, God’s still talking…

Do What God Instructed

You probably know the story—the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. God is in the midst of delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. God displayed His power in a plethora of miracles while they were still in Egypt. Now they’re being pursued by the enemy (Exodus 14). The Egyptians “came to their senses” and realized they were losing out.

God already knew what He planned to do; He knew the outcome. At the beginning of the chapter, God told them where to go (v.2) and that Pharaoh would pursue them (v.4).

It wasn’t until the people saw the enemy that they cried out to God—and complained to leadership. Moses responded as well as any good leader should and encouraged the people.

It’s the next verse that makes us take a step back and ponder.

The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Exodus 14:15 ESV

Wait. What? Aren’t we supposed to cry out to God? But remember, God had already told them what was going to happen.

Has God given directions for your life? Your calling? Your next assignment? God reveals His plans to you and me, yet sometimes we freeze in yesterday. I love the point that Crystal Storms makes in her recent post “When It’s Not Good to Stop and Pray”:

Stopping to pray is only an excuse when it keeps us from doing what we know God has called us to do. —Crystal Storms

When the Israelites saw the enemy, they feared.

Fear. Isn’t that the root of the issue when we use the excuse of praying prayers of doubt when we already know God told us to do something? (Oh, how I can relate to that!)

What did God say the last time you heard Him speak to you? Here's why to keep moving forward with God. #ThrivingInChrist #LiveYielded Click To Tweet

Use What’s in Your Hand

After God said to move forward, He reminded Moses to use his staff (v.16). Remember, when God called Moses way back in the desert, God started with having Moses use the staff to get used to God’s miracle-working power.

Like I said in my post, Like Moses We Can Get Used to Using God’s Power,” “God will take what we are used to holding and transform it with His power as an instrument to fulfill His agenda. Moses was familiar with working with a staff, but God was showing him how to get used to the next level.”

So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and the Lord parted it. The Israelites walked through the parted sea. You could say they were in over their heads. And when you use what’s in your hand, so to speak, it might seem like you’re in over your head, too.

Did God tell you to do something, but it seems like you’ll be in over your head? Here’s some biblical insights to help you keep moving forward.
Keep Moving Forward with What God Said

Isn’t that how it is? God tells you to do something, directs which steps you’re to take, warns you that there will be trials, and admonishes you to take heed that the devil doesn’t devour you (1 Peter 5:8). He already knows you’re going to be in over your head but tells you to keep moving forward anyway.

The enemy chasing you today might not be a physical army, but you might be pelted with lies from the devil. The problems, the lies, the attacks from the enemy might make you feel like you are in over your head. The attack of lies from the one against your soul needs to be dealt with just as a physical army chasing you.

If you don’t want to drown like the enemy, then keep moving forward.

How do you keep moving forward with what God said? By:

  • taking that next step
  • being obedient to what He has called you to do
  • using the power of God
  • trusting in Him
  • relying on His strength
The attack of lies from the one against your soul needs to be dealt with just as a physical army chasing you. #ThrivingInChrist #LiveYielded Click To Tweet

The Reason Why to Keep Moving Forward with God

Do you want to know the real reason all this happened? From the very beginning, when God told them where to go and that Pharaoh would pursue them, God told them why:

I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD! Exodus 14:4 NLT

He even repeated what was going to happen and why in verses 17-18. After Moses stretched his hand over the sea and it went back to normal eliminating the enemy, the end result was that God received the glory and the people believed in the Lord.

Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses. Exodus 14:31 ESV

Do what God told you to do. When it seems like you’ll be in over your head, trust Him and keep moving forward. God will get the glory, and it will be a witness to those around you.


When it seems like you’ll be in over your head, trust Him and keep moving forward. #ThrivingInChrist #LiveYielded Click To Tweet

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34 Comments

  1. So true. I almost always feel like I’m in over my head, but that’s when God does His work!

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      Amen, Sarah!

  2. Use what is in your hand. Yes! I love where you say he helped Moses use his everyday staff and take it to the next level (for His purposes). I loved Crystal’s post too but this has a different angle on it and am glad you moved forward to share it. God bless xoxoxo

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      It’s all a walk of faith, right? Glad to see you here, friend! 🙂

  3. Yes! Even though my steps are small these days — progress is barely discernible — I’m trusting that it’s in the right direction, and thankful for God’s leading. Blessings, Kelly, and thanks for sharing the message God put on your heart.

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      Slow progress is good, at least I think so. In the past I used to charge ahead of God. So if I’m going slow, I’m more apt to keep in pace with Him. And you know, “Slow and steady wins the race.” 😉 Many blessings, friend.

  4. In the 90’s I went to the Bible/Life college of Joyce Meyer. She grew me up in The Word like no other. One of the things she said that has stuck? If you are looking for a new word from the Lord constantly and not getting one? Maybe you need to go back to the last thing He told you to do and make sure you did it. If you didn’t? You won’t get another marching order until THAT one is completed. Great post Kelly!

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      How neat that you were mentored by her! My parents taught me along the same thought. Great wisdom!

  5. I love this, Kelly! Your’s and Crystal’s points on not using praying as an excuse for delaying obedience (or not obeying!) are so helpful and timely to me. Thank you for so clearly illustrating the principle of moving forward- especially the WHY. God has given us the WHY!! So glad you posted this- God wanted to repeat and expound further on this message for me 🙂

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      That makes me so happy to hear that, Bethany!! I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with you! 🙂

  6. I love this, Kelly. I’m guilty of staying put when I know God has already told me to move forward. Great thoughts here, and I’m glad to hop over to Crystal’s article too. Thanks for sharing.

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      The message was for me, for sure. I’m happy to share Crystal’s—so much goodness there!

  7. This reminds me of the song, In Over My Head, Kelly. I don’t know if your’e familiar with it or not, but I’ve always found it inspiring since most worship songs talk about Jesus calming the waves or walking on water, etc. But often we find ourselves overwhelmed by the waves and yet Jesus is still holding us there in the chaos of that moment. I take encouragement from your words because perseverance is something I am needing to do, especially in two key areas of my life. It’s been hard and discouraging, especially lately. So I’m grateful to read and be inspired by your message today!

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      I’m so glad you were encouraged by this post, Beth! Praying for you right now that you will move forward easily into what God has for you. 🙂

  8. thank you for your insightful post! I constantly have to remind myself that I am responsible obedience and God is responsible for the outcome!

    1. kellyrbaker says:

      That’s so true, Stephanie! I love the simplicity of that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

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