Break Camp And Advance

BREAK CAMP AND ADVANCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 1:6-8

"The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey…’"

Supporting Texts: Joshua 1:1-3, Isaiah 43:18-19, Philippians 3:13-14, Exodus 14:15

INTRODUCTION:

Life is a journey, and God never intended for His children to remain in one place indefinitely. From the beginning of creation, God designed movement, progress, and growth as fundamental aspects of life. In Deuteronomy 1:6-8, God spoke to the Israelites at Mount Horeb, telling them that they had stayed too long at that place and that it was time to move forward. The Israelites had camped in the same location for years, but that was not their final destination. God had something greater ahead for them, but they needed to break camp and advance to possess the Promised Land.

Many believers today find themselves in similar situations. They are spiritually, financially, emotionally, or ministerially stagnant. They have remained at the same level for too long—facing the same struggles, battling the same weaknesses, or experiencing no progress in their walk with God. This stagnation can be a result of fear, complacency, sin, discouragement, or simply a lack of faith to step into the next level. However, just as God commanded Israel to move forward, He is calling us today to break out of stagnation and advance into the destiny He has prepared for us.

Breaking camp and advancing requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to trust God even when the path ahead is uncertain. It means letting go of the past, stepping into new territories, and embracing the promises of God. Many people remain in their comfort zones because they fear change, but without change, there can be no growth. God is saying, "You have stayed here long enough!" It is time to arise and move forward.

1. THE DANGER OF STAGNATION

Stagnation is dangerous because it prevents growth, progress, and fulfilment of destiny.

a) Stagnation leads to spiritual dryness (Revelation 3:16)

A believer who remains stagnant becomes lukewarm and loses passion for God. Just as stagnant water becomes polluted, a stagnant Christian becomes ineffective and weak in faith.

b) Stagnation brings frustration and discouragement (Proverbs 13:12)

When a person stays in the same situation for too long, they become weary, discouraged, and hopeless. This is why many people give up on their dreams and abandon their divine calling.

c) Stagnation can lead to bondage and oppression (Exodus 1:13-14)

The Israelites remained in Egypt for 400 years as slaves because they could not move forward on their own. Sometimes, stagnation is a form of captivity.

d) Stagnation makes us miss divine opportunities (Luke 19:41-44)

When we refuse to move forward, we miss the opportunities God has placed in front of us. God’s timing is important, and delays can cause us to lose out on divine blessings.

e) Biblical Example: The Man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9)

This man had been in the same condition for 38 years, waiting for something to happen. But Jesus told him, "Rise, take up your bed, and walk!" This is what God is telling us today—rise up and move forward!

2. GOD’S COMMAND TO ADVANCE

God’s desire for His children is progress, not stagnation.

a) God expects us to grow in every area of life (2 Peter 3:18)

Growth is a sign of life. Just as a baby grows into adulthood, so must a Christian grow spiritually and in other areas.

b) God has already prepared the next level for us (Jeremiah 29:11)

God has a plan for every believer, but we must take the step of faith to enter into it.

c) Obedience to God’s command leads to breakthroughs (Isaiah 1:19)

When we obey God and take action, He opens doors of favour, provision, and success.

d) Fear must not hold us back (2 Timothy 1:7)

Many people refuse to advance because they fear the unknown, but God has given us a spirit of power and boldness.

e) Biblical Example: Joshua Leading Israel to the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-3)

Joshua was commanded to take bold steps and lead Israel into their inheritance. Likewise, we must be bold to move into our God-ordained destiny.

3. OBSTACLES TO ADVANCEMENT

There are many forces that try to keep believers from moving forward.

a) Fear of the unknown (Numbers 13:31-33)

The Israelites feared the giants in Canaan and refused to move forward. Fear always limits progress.

b) Comfort in the familiar (Exodus 16:3)

The Israelites wanted to return to Egypt because they were used to it. Many people prefer their comfort zones even when God has something greater for them.

c) Unbelief and doubt (James 1:6-7)

Without faith, it is impossible to receive anything from God. Doubt hinders advancement.

d) Sin and disobedience (Isaiah 59:1-2)