Exit to Enter: a Holy Act

 

God's call on our lives always involves our exiting the old to enter the new. Let's call it The Principle of Exit to Enter.

• Noah was called to exit life as he knew it to enter the ark of God's protection and salvation.  
• Abraham was called to exit his country to enter a new land where God would fulfill His promise.
• The children of Israel were called to exit Egypt before they could enter the Promised Land.
• Joseph exited his homeland by way of his cruel brothers actions to enter a position of power to save his people from starvation.
• Ruth exited her homeland to follow the One true God.
• Mary and Joseph exited their life with family and friends to enter a stable so the Son of God could be born according to prophecy.
• Twelve men were called to exit their homes, loved ones, and way of life to enter a life of discipleship under the teaching of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

You and I have also been called to exit what we know to enter the unknown Christ has purposed and planned for us.

The Principle of Exit to Enter will not be complete until we step into the fullness of God's joy, the presence of Jesus Christ, at the end of our life as we know it on earth. Since we are moving from glory to glory, we must be exiting and entering, not only physically, but spiritually too, as God directs.

God calls us to come, to move, to follow, to pilgrim, and to enter into blessing. But we can't know any of these things without first being willing to leave. There are many who long for change in their lives, something better, something new. But few are willing to leave. ( Jonathan Cahn, Book of Mysteries, The Exodus Factor)

Cahn explains that our obedience to God's call to "Get Out!" of a country, a job, a situation, a position, or our present spiritual condition, etc. is just as holy as our obedience to enter something new.  He states, "Exiting is as holy as entering." Amen!

Understanding this exit to enter principle encourages us to remain alert, to listen intently for His voice, to immediately answer His call when it's time to move on. When we've learned the lessons He has for us where we are, and we've grown up a little more in our faith, God does not intend us to stay there to become stagnant. His will is for us to continue growing up in Him. So, to introduce us to more of His character and to further refine us into the image of His Son, He calls us to exit the old and enter the new. A fresh place to continue to breathe, grow, and deepen our roots in Christ.

-assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former way of life, and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:21-24, ESV).

How long will you remain in your stagnant, spiritual state? Aren't you tired of just going through the motions? Don't you want a fresh start resulting in new growth and more joy? Are you ready to discover new truths about the One who loves you most and knows you best so you can fall deeper in love with Him? If so, it's time to leave, to exit the old, and enter a new and glorious existence.

God calls His children everyday into the newness of life we have through His Son, Jesus Christ. Why not exit to enter into whatever He has ready for you today? Come on! It's time to go.