The Power of Letting Go

Those who left Egypt had all been circumcised, but none of those born after the Exodus, during the years in the wilderness, had been circumcised. The Israelites had traveled in the wilderness for forty years until all the men who were old enough to fight in battle when they left Egypt had died. For they had disobeyed the Lord, and the Lord vowed he would not let them enter the land he had sworn to give us—a land flowing with milk and honey. So Joshua circumcised their sons—those who had grown up to take their fathers’ places—for they had not been circumcised on the way to the Promised Land. After all the males had been circumcised, they rested in the camp until they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.
Joshua 5:5-9

We can't step into the future God has for us while carrying the baggage of the past. Holding onto old wounds often leaves us feeling ashamed, resentful, or stuck. Instead, we are called to follow God into a future full of His abundance and freedom. In our current series, Zakar, we’re reminded that we are a forgetful people who need to be constantly reminded of God's faithfulness and promises. But it's not enough to simply remember—we must cultivate an active remembrance that drives us forward and shapes our walk with Jesus. This week, Pastor Luis Guerrero teaches us that true remembrance of God requires letting go of the past.

What is the context?

  • The book of Exodus tells the story of the Israelites' 40-year journey through the wilderness, where they often longed for their time in slavery despite God's deliverance.
  • Joshua, Moses' successor, leads the Israelites after the Exodus to the city of Jericho in the promised land of Canaan. 
  • Jericho was heavily fortified, surrounded by a great wall that seemed impossible to conquer

Let go of fear

  • God’s promises are often on the other side of our fears, and our obedience unlocks what He wants to do in us. Courage comes from trusting His power. 
  • God gave Joshua reminders and instructions, assuring him that He will be with him and telling him to be strong and courageous. 
  • God knows our thoughts and feelings before we speak. Despite any fears, Joshua believed the Lord’s promises and spoke life over his doubts. 
  • We can allow fear to diminish the power of God’s word in our lives, or, like Joshua, we can trust in God’s character and the destiny He has for us.

Let go of the past

  • God emphasizes the word "today," highlighting to us where our focus should bet. While He’s been with us in the past and goes before us, He is present and offers fresh provision for today.
  • Full surrender to God is required for Him to work in our hearts. We can choose to let our past define us, or we can embrace the new promises He offers.
  • True healing comes only from God. The Israelites underwent circumcision as a sign of their covenant with God—ours is a symbolic circumcision of the heart.
  • God saves us not only for ourselves but also into a community—a family where we are meant to grow and thrive together.

Let go of control

  • When things don’t go as expected, we often try to take control, thinking we can move God’s hand. But in doing so, we only make the journey harder.
  • The Israelites' circumcision was a costly act of obedience—it was inconvenient, painful, and caused delays in their progress.
  • After the circumcision, they were required to rest, making them vulnerable and forcing them to trust fully in God’s timing.
  • God honors our obedience and faith, and through this process, we discover that true joy comes from resting in His perfect plan.

Additional Resources:

  • Joshua 1:8
  • 2 Timothy 1:17
  • Psalm 37:5

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