Reading Isaiah 48, God gave the explicit command to leave Babylon with joy (v. 20), but the people did not want to leave and go back to the holy land. They had raised families, built houses, and settled in their bondage.

Anything experienced for the first time can be scary. I remember my dog’s first Halloween as she experienced the new inflatable ghost pumpkin in our neighbor’s yard. She walked slowly and kept an eye on the spooky new thing.

We can also be spooked by something new when we experience things for the first time. Think about riding a bike for the first time, or jumping off the diving board, or public speaking. My dog had experienced something for the first time, but the next day, it was no problem … been there, done that and so it is with us, once we’ve experienced something that was scarry at first. The next time, we don’t have the fear anymore, but just get out there and explore, dream, and discover.

Sometimes obedience seems like a hardship. We had rather stick to our difficult or complicated situation rather than turn to God for the necessary steps to freedom. Yes, things may be difficult at first, but in the long run our future is beyond our wildest dreams if we just take the first step. If we just get away from the comfort zone and experience new things. If not, we may be disappointed by the things we did not do.

Think of the benefits if we obey and the consequences if we disobey. There are blessings of peace and joy if we obey. On the other hand, disobeying God results in conflict and sadness. Think about a child going to the beach. They don’t use a teaspoon to play in the sand. They use their toy shovel and toy bucket. When we desire peace and joy like waves that continue to hit the shore with a soothing music to the ear, we don’t worship man-made idols. We worship the Sovereign Lord! We use a shovel to fill our bucket with God’s goodness.

Help us today Lord to not carry a teaspoon to fill our bucket with Your goodness but use a shovel. We desire not just a ripple but a large wave, so our difficulties turn into hope to lift one another up. Something small can turn into something large if we just get started. It may be scarry at first but then things will fall into place. Open the door Lord and give us the courage to walk through. This day will be the ultimate adventure as we seize the day to bless others, encourage others, and face the challenges together so that all the glory is given to You Lord. Amen.