“But he (the king) shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’” Deuteronomy 17:16

Journey’s End

I remember how, when I first heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I was perplexed. Like the disciples in Acts 19:2, I had not so much as heard there was a baptism of the Holy Spirit. But when I began to search the Scriptures, there He was. How could I have missed Him? So I set about seeking Him and He was readily found. As others prayed for me to receive all God had for me, I knew something powerful was happening within me. I felt the change.

As I was driving home from church that night, a persistent refrain recurred in my mind. I kept thinking, I’m never going back. I kept saying, I’m never going back. I kept singing, I’m never going back. It would not leave me, but was being indelibly inscribed across my soul.

I wasn’t even sure I understood what that meant. I was never going back to my old ways. I was never going back to stubborn sin. I was never going back to living in the old dead-end ways. I was never going back to Egypt. I would not return that way again.

So many years later, has that throbbing pledge of my heart stood the test? Oh, there were times I thought my way was more practical than God’s way. My way just made more sense. There were times I did not want to do the thing God was asking of me because it was too risky. There were times I thought I could handle things on my own. There were times I was tempted by sin and even times I surrendered to my flesh.

But God! That same Holy Spirit dwelling within me reminded me of the One to whom I belonged. He is my comfort and my counselor. I may have looked back, but I only saw the waste and desolation of Egypt. I turned again to fix my gaze on the One who has redeemed me. I daily choose not to go back. There is nothing there for me. I dwell in a promised land.

“Father, You have kept me all these years. From the beginning to the end You have carried me. My true home is with You. This girl ain’t goin’ anywhere! Amen.”