It’s Time to Move! Sample

So far, we’ve talked about the labels we give ourselves and the labels given to us. We’ve seen how the devil wants us to define our identity by our emotions and how we need to turn our negative mental and physical patterns into moments to confess our dependence. Once we’ve done these things, it’s time to move.

In the book of Ruth, we saw how Naomi began calling herself “Mara,” defining herself by her bitterness. But Naomi finds a glimmer of hope when her daughter-in-law Ruth meets Boaz, a “kinsman redeemer” (someone who could carry on Naomi’s family name). When Naomi hears of this encounter, she doesn’t sit around. She takes action and hatches a plan. 

Joseph experienced hardship when his brothers’ anger against him resulted in him being sold as a slave to Potiphar’s house in Egypt. Joseph finds great success in his master’s house until Potiphar’s wife begins trying to seduce him. She tries to use her words to destroy Joseph’s destiny. But instead of being passive about it, Joseph confronts her and ultimately runs from her. 

The book of James tells us that our tongue is like a rudder on a ship. A rudder is a small piece on the back of a ship, yet it can steer massive vessels. In the same way, our tongue has the power to steer us into safety or destruction.

When we notice our lives following the direction of our emotions rather than where God wants to take us, it’s time to move. 

Like Naomi, sometimes making a move means not allowing our bitterness to keep us from moving forward and making a plan of action. Or like Joseph, sometimes taking action means physically getting away from a destructive person or situation. In either case, it’s about not allowing our words or the words of others to define our destiny. 

Scripture: Ruth 3

Scripture: Genesis 39

Scripture: James 3

Discussion question: What situation in your life has kept you stalled, and what is the next step you need to take to either make a plan or walk away?