Possessing the Land - Not for the Faint of Heart
April 28th, 2008 | Michael Q. Pink
“And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were greatly afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? why have you dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell you in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” Ex 14:10-12
They had spent their entire life living under an oppressive regime, one that had ordered their midwives to kill all newborn males. For the next forty years, they complained and yearned for the good old days back in Egypt when they ate fish and leeks and other vegetables. They seemed to forget the fact that they were also slaves and were brutally treated.
It seems so strange to us that this oppressed people would prefer to go back to Egypt instead of seizing their new opportunities in the Promised Land. As a result of their unbelief, everyone over the age of twenty perished in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb. Only the young could go in to the new thing.
When I visited some former Soviet bloc countries a few years back, I marveled at the fact that just like the Israelites of old, so many of the older folks yearned for the good old days when communism was in force and everyone had a job working for the government (slavery) but they had enough food to live on. Now that they were transitioning to a free market economy they had to become productive to enjoy the benefits of freedom and they were unwilling to do so. Not true with the young people - while the older ones who yearn for communism wither and die in the land, the young people are rising up and entering their promised land.
Nowhere is this is more evident to me than in Ukraine with Pastor Sunday’s church. Young people are rising up to seize the new and are quickly prospering. 200 new millionaires in the last 18 months in that church alone! I met some of them and they have a heart for their nation and for impacting the world! Money is only a tool to that end. It is not the only tool, but it is a very helpful tool. If you haven’t heard Friday’s podcast on this topic, I urge you to check it out now and consider subscribing to it too. We will be sharing details on that program to help you do similar things.
Have a great week!
April 28th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Michael,
Could you give me the contact information on Pastor Sunday? I know of a business man investing in Ukraine. Was wondering if they could get together about business in the church’s area.
Dennis
You may remember me, I was with David Johnson and Justin DeStoppelaire at a Christian conference you spoke at a couple years ago. I no longer have a consulting business but an insurance business.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Greetings Michael and please tellin’ like HE reveals it to you! I am being forced to step out of a comfort zone here and scared about this now. BUT, I am willing to do what it takes, to be what HE has called me to be. I don’t know how well I will walk on the water, but, I will keep my eyes on HIM. Right now it is unsure where I will be going, but in the interim, I will continue to seek HIM with ALL my heart, ALL my soul and ALL my mind. Thanks and blessings for so much insight. May GOD’s Spirit continue to indwell and use you for those of us who want to be where HE has called us to be and to not be afraid to move. In HIM, Kara L.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:59 am
PS Please KEEP tellin’ it like HE reveals it to you.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:38 am
You will occasionally meet people who seem to have no drive or hope for their lives. Children growing up without fathers or in abusive families can become adults who don’t have “what it takes” to succeed in life, even here in America. I am very famililar with these issues, I struggle day to day and the well meaning advice of others doesn’t seem to fit my warped framework.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Is Pastor Sunday Adelaja’s business training material available in English? It would be a tremendous blessing to me and my group.
April 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hi John…
No it isn’t.
April 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Dear Michael,
I have ministered in Estonia quite extensively and have experienced the same scenario, of the younger generation that are standing up to build a new future for their country, while their parents still grabble with the transition.
I believe that the young generations are rising up globally to a new sound. That I have noticed in other countries as well. The exciting thing is that the soil is fertile! Our challenge is to stay focused and invest in the fertile soil and go where the doors are open to receive the message and act upon it. Only those who are ready for the challenge will move forward with it.
There are seasons in each person’s life and the choices they make will determine whether they get up and take hold of the opportunity or let it pass them by. I do not doubt that this message resonate with those ready for the challenge!
I am looking forward to working together towards that great prize…capturing those cultural spheres of influence!
April 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Kara! The coolest thing happened when I was reading your post! At the exact moment I was reading “ALL my heart, ALL my soul and ALL my mind” I heard the same words coming through my radio. It was wild!! Anyway - I think I’m supposed to tell you to listen to “Love The Lord” by Lincoln Brewster. Stay strong in Him and God Bless!
April 30th, 2008 at 3:02 am
bill lee,
Brother let God Himself fit it for you. Just provide the empty bottle.