Have you been wandering around in circles trying to figure out your next move? How great would it be for someone to lead you straight to the place you need to be?

Last week kicked off with Passover followed by Feast of Matzo. This was a daily reminder of how Moshe led the Israelites to freedom with a simple plan: At the appointed time, ask for gold and silver from your masters and let’s hit the road.

Moshe led them through the desert and through the Sea of Reeds. But, instead of rejoicing in their new found freedom, they grumbled and complained. Moses took the slaves out of Egypt, but freedom hadn’t taken Egypt out of the slaves. What’s more, there was no Egypt to go back to.

Maybe they hadn’t considered what freedom would look like. Being a captive severely limits your thinking. On the other side of the Sea of Reeds, the Almighty provided them with Heavenly Food —Manna. All they had to do was get up six day a week and gather it, collecting twice as much on the sixth day so on the seventh they could rest. Breaking through the slavery mindset proved a difficult task.

They continued to complain, and wanted to go back to the way things were. Even when they saw the enormous fruit in the land of milk and honey, they were more afraid to go forward. Because they only wanted to go backwards, they lost their access to the Promised Land. Only after the doubters had all died did their children go to the promised land.

What does that mean for you?

I may say I want out of a terrible situation. The reality of getting out can look very different than what I imagine. Once I find myself free, I may discover that my income isn’t as linear, or that I’m not making as much money as in the corporate job.  Taking a cue from the Israelites, I’d like to suggest that rather than complain, I might be grateful for everything that is going right, every dollar that comes my way, every client that I’m blessed to work with. Trusting that good things are ahead.

Small beginnings and lean provisions aren’t a sign that you should have remained bound to a oppressive, miserable job. If anything, you’ve crossed into the testing ground — how bad do you want your freedom? Do you want the Promised Land bad enough to go through this? Can you do it joyfully? Can you keep your eyes focused on the prize?

Freedom is not without effort. Success is often just persevering in what works. In the Israelite story, going into the Land of Promise requires great effort. To get there, they must cross vast desserts, another river and begin facing down giants. What is your dessert? What is your river? Who are your giants?
The pattern is there, it has already been accomplished. Here’s the highlights of the road map:

• First, obtain wealth and get your freedom.
• Be grateful for your freedom while you work your plan.
• Be positive. You’re going to the Promised Land!
• The Promised Land is worth fighting for and so is your success.
• Face your fears head on and continue rejoicing in your freedom.

Whether you’re thinking about just leaving Egypt, or ready to cross into the Promised Land, you were meant for so much more. Trust the journey. The journey is the adventure.

Got an amazing story to share? Drop a line or two in the comment box below. I look forward to hearing from you. I’ll see you next time!