Egypt 2 Canaan: A Guide to Lasting Change and Rich Fulfillment

By Stacey Cargnelutti

Egypt 2 Canaan is a faithful companion to help you navigate life, love, and faith, and stay the course to your Promised Land.

The Old Testament story of Israels wilderness journey serves as the perfect backdrop for E2C because its our story as well. If youve circled the same mountain too many times, youre not alone.

We live in the greatest age of information and illumination of all time and yet modern day slavery is at an all time high. With answers at our fingertips and help around every corner, why is addiction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking on the rise? Why do we choose stress, obesity, suffering and strife, over the love and blessing that pursues us relentlessly? We can avoid these questions and hope for the best, or get answers and BE our best.

The truth is, we are spiritual beings in need of a spiritual source of supply. Apart from divine revelation, impact and fulfillment remain an illusive pipe dream, and we settle for short-lived success.

The soul of mankind will never be satisfied doing life in the shallows because were designed and destined to launch out into the deep for a net-breaking catch of CRAZY AMAZING! Deep calls unto deep forever and always.

E2C is a forty-lesson journey that will challenge you on every front. It unveils the mysteries of sacred romance and helps you live an inspired life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512780765

Stacey Cargnelutti

Stacey Cargnelutti is an International Bestselling Author, Gifted Counselor, Wellness Specialist, Transformation Leader and Executive Coach who gets life-changing results for her clients. She provokes thought and confronts complacency with skillful insight and inspires any audience to action. Her positive energy and love for God and people are both contagious and empowering.

Book preview

EGYPT 2 CANAAN

A GUIDE TO LASTING CHANGE AND RICH FULFILLMENT

STACEY CARGNELUTTI

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Copyright © 2017 Stacey Cargnelutti.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-8077-2 (sc)

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WestBow Press rev. date: 05/15/2018

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Egypt 2 Canaan, like it’s author, is packed with insight, inspiration and practical strategies for living a better life. Pastor Ray Gene Wilson - West Coast Life Church

The strategies presented in this book, have freed girls from the power of addiction and bondage of trafficking. Through Stacey’s inspired work, beauty has arisen from ashes. Shannon Foresythe - Founder of Run2Rescue

Stacey brings a level of talent and understanding to her expertise that is rare. Her gifts are life changing and highly recommended. Jim Lutes - Author and Owner at Lutes International; World Class Mind Training and Jim Britt - Author and Peak Performance Specialist

Stacey is by far an amazing, resourceful, powerful, and highly talented woman of God. Her insights in the Word of God bring out great and magnificent ways to live a Victorious life. ‘I feel like I’m having coffee and Bible study with Stacey and the Lord all at once.’ Pastor Joe and Jacquelyn Sabolick - New Creation Church

A brilliant collision of faith, leadership and personal development guaranteed to provoke thought, confront complacency and inspire you to action. Nathan Jamail - Best Selling Author of The Playbook Series and Leadership Expert & Speaker

I highly recommend this book! Stacey is a passionate leader who is energetically moved to accomplish great things and empowers others to do the same. She is a powerful coach, and dynamic speaker, as well as a prolific writer, and she transforms lives daily. Shannon Jamail - Founder, Creator and Coach at Mind & Body Complete

This book speaks across generations to men and women, truth seekers, free birds, overcomers and wounded warriors—there’s lessons for all. Tracee Randall - Success and Wellness Specialist, Author and Founder of Generational Health

The author has an ability to present change in an easy, understandable fashion that will create lasting changes for you. Be prepared to be challenged and changed! Reverend Joe Morris - Traveling Minister and author of Resurrection Lifestyle

This book is dedicated to you the reader and every past, present, and future client I am honored to work with.

It is written in devotion to Jesus who set me free, and to the believer, skeptic, seeker, pioneer—Mary, Martha, lover, leader—goddess, warrior, spiritualist, dreamer—renegade, rhino, realist, idealist—the too much and not enough—the loved, unloved, wild, and tamed—and the good person trying to score points with God.

Out of Egypt I called my Son.

—Matthew 2:15 NKJV

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Lesson #1     Take the Scenic Route

Lesson #2     Know God or Know About God?

Lesson #3     Honesty Is the Door to Change

Lesson #4     Until Your Story Ends in Glory, It’s Not Over

Lesson #5     Your No Way Is God’s Highway

Lesson #6     It’s All for Love

Lesson #7     Drink More

Lesson #8     Separateness Is An Illusion

Lesson #9     Crossing Over

Lesson #10   Who Do You Say You Are?

Lesson #11   What Are You Looking At?

Lesson #12   Know Your Why?

Lesson #13   Connecting With Your Source

Lesson #14   Find Your Mojo!

Lesson #15   You Are What You Hide

Lesson #16   You Have Faith

Lesson #17   Praying to Get Results

Lesson #18   Get Disciplined or Get Disqualified

Lesson #19   Wear Your Armor

Lesson #20   Own Your Power

Lesson #21   Know the Ways of the Spirit

Lesson #22   Perception Is Projection

Lesson #23   Live Inspired

Lesson #24   Take Responsibility for Your Needs

Lesson #25   Ships Deliver Goods

Lesson #26   Desire Is Expansion

Lesson #27   Life Is a Choice

Lesson #28   He Renews Your Youth

Lesson #29   Work Out Your Salvation

Lesson #30   Make Time For What Matters

Lesson #31   Showing Up

Lesson #32   Get Out of Your Way!

Lesson #33   Fasting Frees

Lesson #34   Reclaim Your Life and Future

Lesson #35   Make Smart Plans

Lesson #36   Move!

Lesson #37   Release the Weight

Lesson #38   Sanctify the Temple

Lesson #39   Money

Lesson #40   Enter In

Bonus Material

Five Steps to Surrender

True ID

My Daily Prosperity Prayer

Thirty-One Prayers to Rock Your World

Five Steps to Establish a New Habit

Seven Sacred Superpowers to Get You Results

Thirty Meditations for Sublime Living

Ten Steps to Move from Sabotage to Success

FAQs

Ten-Step Biz Start-Up for Entrepreneurs

Bibliography

About the Author

Foreword

As a child, I remember staring at a flannel-gram (google it if you weren’t raised in church) in Sunday school and hearing the story of God delivering the children of Israel from Egypt. I was on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded, gripped by every detail from how God spoke to Moses from a burning bush to the epic display of His power when he parted the Red Sea. God is The deliverer was the take away for me. We were taught that God was the deliverer then, and God is the deliverer now! He’s still setting people free from bondage and slavery today.

It was much later in life when I was exposed to the rest of the story and wondered how the children of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years and turned an eleven day trip into FOUR DECADES!! You read the story and think to yourself, how could they be so hard headed… don’t they remember what God did for them? Why don’t they put their full hope and trust in the one that delivered them? Yet, this same cycle is being repeated in the lives of countless believers in the world today.

God delivers us from our current state of bondage and we zip through the red sea as fast as possible only to zigzag through the desert on our own, unfulfilled and longing to be in our promised land but never arriving, many times, even doubting God and questioning His faithfulness.

I was so excited when I saw the title of Stacey’s new book. It’s a road map to keep you from repeating the same mistakes that mankind seems to be so naturally given to.

We’ve known the Cargnelutti family for many years now. We’ve been in their home and watched their children grow up into exceptional young adults. We’ve seen their personal journey unfold as they’ve made their way to the wealthy place God has called them to.

I know that this book not only contains holy information to affect great change in your life and get you on the path to success, but there is also a spiritual impartation available from people who have stayed steady and lived lives of faith. The proof is in the fruit. It’s rare to see success in family, ministry and business on the level I see in Stacey, Hugo and their kids.

Get ready to experience lasting change and rich fulfillment as you receive revelation and understanding that will get you to YOUR promised land in life!

Michael and Sherrie Howell

Go Deep International Ministries

Preface

I’ve been apprehended four times in my life: twice by law enforcement, and twice by God.

The first time was for shoplifting; the second was for driving under the influence; the third was nothing less than divine deliverance from the bondage and emptiness of addiction; and the latest was a clear call to the Promised Land.

Both law enforcement and God arrest people as a means to protect and serve the good of all, but God seizes mankind for incomparable glory as well. He doesn’t just bring us out of lack, defeat, strife, struggle, harm, destruction, and slavery—He takes us into freedom, abundance, extravagance and joy! In Philippians 3:12 Paul said that he was not perfected, but he pressed on so that he might lay hold of the things that Christ had apprehended him for. This thing is not about perfection—it’s about peace, power and even profit, in the midst of anything—it’s about you living an abundant life no matter what!

We’ve all been apprehended for something glorious, and I don’t know about you, but I’m getting it all! Not because of greed, but because of the price that was paid for me to have it all.

The moment of my last arrest was one morning at five a.m. when I was led by the Holy Spirit to my computer (instead of the usual couch) and instructed to start sharing my beautiful mess of a journey with a people longing to hear it. This is when I realized that people are waiting for all of us to show up. But that message is for another time so I will carry on…

It was a morning like any other, but this day I launched Microsoft Word in my office instead of opening my Bible in my usual corner of the loveseat (where my all important cup of coffee was within reach on the end table next to me). In a moment, the floodgates of heaven opened, and rivers of revelation began to flow through me. I couldn’t stop writing as my heart connected to one dry, thirsty, hungry soul at a time, day after day. The revelation was milk to some, meat, water, and wine to others, and the time had come to be poured out for all.

From the day I was born of the Spirit in 1995, my hunger and thirst for God has kept me in His Word daily. He has been my breath, my heart, my reason, and my strength; my power, refuge, and exceeding great reward. I rarely eat bread and I haven’t had a drink for twenty-two years so yeah you guessed it—He’s my bread and wine as well!

Every conversation I wanted to have with my husband, kids, friends, and family, I learned to take to Him. On one hand, I was being silenced; on the other hand, my voice was becoming louder than ever as love filled me to overflow at the start of each day. God made a way to reveal Himself to me and meet my needs for love, connection, growth, and contribution, all at the same time. I learned the secret to joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Since then I have heard other authors and artists speak of this same experience as the silent years that kept us powerfully connected to God and radically inspired to bring heaven to earth.

I would have visions of souls standing on the edge of their own Jordan River, waiting to cross over but unable to take the first step, and I would write and write as if they were hearing. They were emotionally stuck and paralyzed by fear. All were asking God for help, but none were asking in faith and believing—none had the courage to embody love and overcome fear.

Knowing that God responds to faith, not need, my heart was breaking as I saw the state of their situations, almost hopeless because of the doubt and unbelief governing their lives. I cried out to God, Here I am; send me!

Revelation was flooding through me, and I could feel the pain of the people. Before long I was connecting my journey to Israel’s, and then to that of all humanity. From there I was able to confidently pray, and hope began to make a way where there was no way. I saw thousands of captives set free, including myself.

Although I was free from my past, God wanted me free to serve at a high and authentic level. No longer would I be able to play small, draw back in fear, or hide because of the intense empathy compelling me into action and the clear direction I was receiving daily. I knew this divine apprehension was for a sacred purpose that extended beyond my own deliverance.

All I could do for relief was to stay in constant dialogue with the Holy Spirit, to heed the often-illogical instruction of the Lord, to love those who didn’t care for me much, and to keep showing up where I was supposed to show up. I knew God was at work doing what only He could do, and my part was to trust and obey.

Soon I was gifted a website and started a monthly newsletter while homeschooling three kids, teaching fitness classes at a local gym, and holding the fort down while my husband commuted three hours to work each day. I participated in three best selling book collaborations and eventually launched a coaching business and opened a fitness studio while continuing to love and serve my husband and our three busy kids. What I thought was a six-month book project turned into a ten-year journey.

Egypt 2 Canaan is the result of an Esther call to free God’s people. The time had come for me to unleash my true self, arise, and shine. God had entrusted me with His heart as the miracle many were praying for. I harnessed the faith and courage to step out of the boat, keep my eyes on Jesus, and walk on water.

Within no time I was coaching victims of sex trafficking—many of whom were caught in the throes of addictive relationships and sabotaging cycles of limiting beliefs. I helped them find their voice and return to peace and power.

Statistics such as these from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, would flash before my eyes, confirming the need for this work:

• Fifty-three percent of marriages worldwide suffer divorce.

• Seventeen percent of divorces in the United States are the result of infidelity.

• Excessive alcohol use accounts for 88,000 deaths annually.

• There are 9.2 million heroin users in the United States today.

• Overdose deaths involving prescription drugs are continuing to rise.

• At least 20 million adults and children worldwide are bought and sold into commercial sexual servitude fueled by the pornography industry.

• Not only has the epidemic of obesity quadrupled since 1980, but 70 percent of the world’s population is suffering from hypokinetic disease (diminishing mobility caused by, or resulting from, inactivity and poor fitness), which leads to life-threatening disease.

• Of the world’s population, 85 percent suffer from chronic low back pain.

• In America 14.8 million people are clinically depressed (some suicidal), alongside cancer, eating disorders, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV.

Despite the fact that counseling, rehab, and behavior modification programs have proven effective based on scientific evidence, the majority of these people relapse into old patterns of thinking that keep them in lack and defeat for a lifetime. Although many achieve a season of recovery they miss the power of redemption. They may develop some discipline but never experience the grace of devotion. Determination carries them for a time, but lasting deliverance remains a mystery.

Obviously there’s more to freedom and prosperity (in the wholeness sense of the word) than information and sincere people. The truth is that we need love and revelation.

I remember getting so very annoyed by the many backed by research transformation programs that delivered short-term results. The very definition of transformation is lasting change, and without divine intervention, that is impossible.

If street smarts and listening ears were enough to keep people clean, sober, in action, and on-course for life then I could support behavior modification programs, but I’ve yet to see it done.

A dry drunk, disciplined doer, or clean addict wars on the inside. In their desire for freedom they reach for a standard that is impossible to attain apart from the grace of God. The solution to the sufferings of mankind is found in this one simple truth:

You are a spiritual being in need of a spiritual source of supply.

Why in the world would we attempt life apart from a relevant, meaningful connection to the Spirit if indeed we are spiritual beings as the Bible teaches? (See John 4:24, Romans 8:9, Genesis 1:26-27) What’s impossible with natural man is the work of God’s grace—Spirit and truth. Hence, transformation requires heart work not hard work.

All this is to say that we each have a story and I wrote mine in the hope of helping you write yours. Egypt 2 Canaan is a guide to lasting change and a personal invitation to rich fulfillment. My search for truth started with behavioral psychology and led me to many schools of thought on the subjects of faith, spirituality, addiction, health, wellness, change, and success. I clearly love to learn but more importantly, I know I’m here to live out the truth of who I am and in so doing, empower you to do the same.

My heart yearns for the soul who has ever felt that they were too much, not enough, or somehow disqualified from serving a real God, making a real difference, and living a real and inspired life.

Although this moment is the summation of all moments past, and this book is a compilation of some things I’ve embodied, both are coupled with the hope of a glorious future and infused with the grace of an amazing, and oh so intimate God.

And so I pray—that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened to know your salvation, your call, your inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of the power working within and toward you—and as a result—arise and shine—and enter in to the freedom and abundance you’re designed and destined for.

To Hugo my love—you made this possible and never gave up. Thank you. And to Chloe, Cami, and Marco—you blow my mind and take my breath away! Deep roots, strong wings, and life beyond your wildest dreams. Forever and always ~ I love you, xo

Introduction

The Old Testament story of an enslaved people freed by God to enter the rich, abundant land of Canaan holds much relevance to the pilgrims and pioneers of today that are sojourning to higher ground and better things.

It all starts in the book of Exodus, where the people of Israel were living under the rule of foreigners in a powerless state of lack, defeat and hopelessness. In a nutshell—demand exceeded supply—and always would.

The word Exodus refers to mass departure or coming out, and Egypt symbolizes the fear-driven operating system of the world. The people were freed by Yahweh (Eternal, Creator, infinite Source of all) to serve Him, but unfortunately, their unbelief kept them enslaved to fear-based thinking even after their deliverance, and they forfeited the freedom and abundance that was rightfully theirs.

The people saw miracles! God defeated every enemy, parted the Red Sea, and held back the Jordan River for them to cross over on dry ground. He provided water from a rock, manna from heaven, and was present to heal, protect, and guide them continually.

The book of Psalms says that God brought them out with silver and gold, and not one was sick or feeble among them. After forty years in a desert wilderness, none were in need of any good thing! No. Not. One. If you’ve ever doubted God’s will in a matter, this picture of needless millions, along with the Garden of Eden, the land of Canaan, and visions of heaven, may help to shed some light. God wants you happy, healthy, empowered, abundant, and whole. He wants you free to enter in to joy unspeakable and full of glory!

God had showed Himself faithful time and again, but the stiff-necked [stubborn] people insisted on romanticizing Egypt (their past) instead of magnifying Canaan (their future), and as a result, limited the Holy One of Israel (Psalm 78:41 NKJV). They murmured, complained, and circled the same mountain, doubting God for forty miserable years. The people were committed to what they knew. It’s the same fear we align with to sustain any level of comfort, compromise, complacency, or dysfunction. Every day we make alliances with love or fear, life or death, abundance or lack, the blessing or the curse…

This story holds great insight and relevance to the bondage we opt for when we fall into the same temptation to return to the familiar (no matter how awful) and miss our land of promise, time and again.

Exodus has been esteemed as the most important book in the Bible for three reasons: it defines Israel’s identity; it describes God’s covenant with His chosen people; and it teaches us to develop the vital components of community, connection, and coaching needed to establish God’s plan of blessing on earth. In its entirety, the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to Canaan is both an invitation to a sacred romance and a roadmap to destiny. It reveals the heart of God to not only bring us out of Egypt but to get Egypt out of us! He wants us free to be about our Father’s business of prevailing in love and bringing heaven to earth.

The crazy piece to this wild story is that an eleven-day trek turned into forty years! Okay, let me start by saying that wasted time and energy are serious pet peeves of mine. So, of course my first thought was, People! Wake up! Slow is painful. Fast is fun. Then, as clear as day, I saw the stiffed-necked, stubborn Israelite in me. I’ve done the same thing! And maybe you know what it’s like to waste time and energy, murmuring and complaining and even circling the same mountain in fear, doubt, and unbelief for years and years. There’s a stiff-necked Israelite in all of us.

Why was it forty years in the wilderness? Interestingly, the number forty represents periods of judgment, testing, and equipping for the purpose of revealing who we are, what we know, and why we’re here. God equips us to pass every test with flying colors, so the testy times are most encouraging to those with the right perspective.

There are too many forty day references in the Bible to ignore the obvious parallels. Some standouts are: Noah’s ark, Moses on Mount Sinai, the spies dispatched by Moses to scout out the Promised Land of Canaan, Jesus’s wilderness journey, and Jesus’s post-resurrection ministry—each has changed the course of history. And it took you forty weeks to transform from embryo, fetus, baby.

The bottom line is that a forty-day, week, or year, -long journey with God will change you and your world. When God wants to change a family, city, state, or nation, He starts by changing a person. I hope you’re ready, because it looks like that person is you.

The longing for increase and expansion that made way for this book to get into your hot little hands, is the evidence that you’re designed and destined for a wealthy place of liberation, wealth, and fulfillment. Can you see how a ho-hum life of conservative Christianity can be a bit unsettling to the one carrying the presence and power of God or a revelation of the eternity placed in their heart?

Leave all that you know, and follow Me to a land I will show you, God said to Abraham. Honestly, I was a bit hung up on the leave all part. And the next part that says, and follow Me and then the part when He said, to a place I will show you. I will show you—but not yet? Seriously? I guess I was hung up on all of it, every single bit of it! I mean, how quick would you pack your bags, leave all that you know, follow someone you can’t see, to a place you aren’t even privy to know? Ya—No!

Abraham had no idea where he was going, and when we’re walking by faith, neither do we! Every faith equation contains an x-variable that represents the God part. Rather than exerting all our effort trying to solve for x, faith focuses on the known variables, such as God’s character, word, power, and record. If He’s proven Himself faithful before, He’ll do it again!

So Abraham trusted God with the x and courageously took action. And he is referred to as the father of faith.

What does your promised land look like? What dreams are buried in your heart? If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do? If money were not an issue, what kind of life would you live? And if you continue doing what you’re doing today, where will you be in one, five, or ten years? These are questions I ask my coaching clients as they set out for change. They’re good questions to ponder if you’re serious about reclaiming your life and future and living the abundant life you’re designed and destined for but they’re not enough to get you there.

Albert Einstein reminds us that we can’t solve problems with the thinking that created them. Therefore, if you’d like to produce a new result in your life, you’ll need to use a new formula. Metaphorically speaking, you won’t get to Canaan while thinking like an Egyptian.

The Israelites spent forty years in the wilderness, wandering aimlessly, because they didn’t have answers to life’s big questions. Then Jesus came to earth and showed us how to kill it in forty days! By contrasting the two wilderness journeys, we’re able to uncover the sacred secrets of overcoming fear and walking by faith for an expedient trek to Canaan and know the joy of sincere devotion, lasting change, fiery impact, and rich fulfillment.

I know you’re here on purpose, for a purpose, so buckle up and enjoy the ride! Whether you do the 40 lessons in 40 days, 40 weeks, or God forbid 40 years (please no!), you’re not getting to the Promised Land apart from a few encounters with your Maker.

Then you put a leader over us. We went through fires and floods, but you brought us out into great abundance and rich fulfillment.

—Psalm 66:12 paraphrased

Lesson #1

Take the Scenic Route

I t was a short trip—about 250 miles—from Egypt to Canaan for the traveler taking the scenic route along the Mediterranean coast through Philistia. But the children of Israel were not prepared to make the journey by the shortest route, because their progress would have been opposed and impeded by the Philistines. Fear turned an eleven-day exodus into a forty-year journey.

God never intended for Israel to fight their way to the Promised Land or to conquer Canaan by the use of their own strength, or what the Bible refers to as—the arm of the flesh or horses and chariots. God wanted the people to know Him and in so doing, discover themselves and their true potential. The victory was theirs by faith, but they lacked the courage to trust God and confidently enforce victory because of course, they didn’t know Him. We don’t trust what we don’t know—and we shouldn’t! God’s will was, and forever is, to deliver and empower His people to do the impossible, by knowing and trusting Him. [It’s amazing what we can do with the right support!]

The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them.

—Deuteronomy 31:3 NKJV

It was their honor, joy, and privilege to dispossess the defeated nations by doing nothing more than taking God at His word and doing as He commanded. In this, the Israelites would come to know God, themselves, and a better life. Sounds like an awesome deal to me! According to Deuteronomy 8:2, they would need to overcome fear and be humbled, proven, and seen. I’m thinking, Easy enough—let’s do this!

But as it turns out, the way to Canaan is humility, challenge, introspection, faith, and courage—not so easy. It is a journey of the heart and a decision to turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face (Lemmel, 1922). Instead of creating hell on earth and suffering forty treacherous years wandering in the wilderness, you can know your maker and do life with the lover of your soul by watching the things on earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace (Lemmel, 1922).

Not all scenic routes are expedient as in the case of life’s great journey, but where you fix your gaze will determine all your ways. Will you meditate on the snakebites? Will you fixate on doom and gloom, ominous and arduous? Or choose instead to gaze upon the beauty and splendor, the wonder and awe, and the opportunity present in every moment? Knowing there is a delightful scenic route to every destination is all it takes to choose it. Life’s a journey—enjoy the ride!

An army conquered, a sea parted, a cloud by day and fire by night, manna, water, guidance, protection—not just for a few days for a few hundred people but for forty years for over two million people! Can you imagine? And the doubters still doubted, the whiners still whined, and the two champions still conquered and prevailed. Two. Yes. Two champions. Regardless of God’s continual attempts to reveal His power, protection, and presence, all but two courageous souls failed to see Him and themselves rightly, and enter in to the land of promise.

Jesus came that we might know an abundant life of power, protection, prosperity, and presence. So He showed us how to do a wilderness journey in forty days instead of forty years by doing what the Israelites failed to do.

He humbled Himself.

He proved Himself.

He revealed Himself.

As His very body, we are to think, be, and do not as James, John, and Peter but as Jesus.

As He is so are we in this world.

—1 John 4:17 NKJV

Jesus began His life and earthly ministry in the same way we begin ours: as a baby born of a woman and then growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and being led into the wilderness to be tested, tried, and proven true.

God is into efficient, grace-filled living. No manic Mondays, treacherous Tuesdays, wicked Wednesdays, throwback Thursdays, and flashback Fridays that land you exiled in Babylon by the weekend. There is a beautiful coastline beckoning you to enjoy the less-traveled scenic route to Canaan. But in order to take this route, you’ll have to leave the familiar, walk through a parted sea, cross a river, smite a rock, build an altar, eat manna, overcome giants, and actually be you and take what’s yours. How does that sound? This route requires you to trust God to guide, instruct, and empower you. If you attempt the journey in your own strength, you will be overtaken by giants and never know God or yourself.

Doubt and unbelief are the only disqualifiers. They take out millions daily who ask, seek, and knock but refuse to step through the open doors and receive the answers and solutions they’ve asked for. The fear of walking by faith and not sight is at the root of every messed-up mind-set. It keeps many enslaved to the lack and defeat of self-imposed, Egyptian captivity.

It is not God’s plan—and never was—for any to wander aimlessly in the wilderness for a day, week, or month, much less forty years! Although He uses every one of our misses for good, He prefers expedient journeys instead of slow, painful ones.

In this moment is the culmination of all moments. Selah (ponder with heightened awareness). Right now, you are equipped and empowered to do what you’re called to do. Doubting God’s integrity to be all He has promised to be is the result of walking by sight instead of faith and it keeps us from living out the truth of who we are. It’s the evidence of sin consciousness and egocentric thinking as opposed to Christ consciousness and enlightened thinking.

Doing what you can, with what you have and where you’re at, determines the course, length, and outcome of your journey.

Today is what you have and where you are; there is nothing to be done yesterday or tomorrow. Today is the day of your salvation, and now is your access to heaven. It is your golden opportunity to redeem your past, create your future with this moment and this day, and land yourself in Canaan at Godspeed. What you do with the opportunity will always be yours alone.

Honoring God with time is key to living a fulfilling life of impact. Before killing time or spending it, take your twenty-four hours and decide what you’d like it to produce. As you invest your time according to an expected end, you will be amazed at the way time seems to stretch. The thought of running out of time rarely enters the mind of those making the most of each moment and day by strategizing. Redeeming time—is to use it in ways that will profit yourself and others.

Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10 NASB). The Garden of Eden, Canaan, and Heaven are not only the will of God for mankind but the longing of our hearts. These are the places we are designed and destined for. Attempting to live happily ever after as an Egyptian slave is futile! It is understandable that any of us would experience a little defeat, depression or bewilderment outside the habitat for which we’ve been designed—it’s like expecting a fish to climb a tree and criticizing him for not reaching the top—crazy right?!

The freedom of truth and the power of love are available to all who ask and receive by faith. No one escapes bondage without first realizing they are enslaved. Whether Egypt represents the pain of rejection, addiction, sickness, or poverty, it is all rooted in fear and keeps us bound to lack and defeat in some way. See your need, then ask for and receive help.

When your eyes are on Canaan and your mind is in Egypt, you are stuck and frustrated! Murmuring, complaining, and drama become a way of life because of the conflict between where you are and where you are called (and want) to be. Here’s the deal: Canaan is promised to the spiritual man, the one with a revelation of righteousness who is walking in divine consciousness, intimacy, and power.

Taking action by coming to the realization that you have a race to run, a question to answer, a problem to solve, a contribution to make, or a ministry to fulfill will stop the life-sucking, energy-sapping frustration, from dominating your life.

After forty years in the wilderness, not one Israelite was in lack of any good thing. Every need was met, and no eyes went dim. God extravagantly cares for His people! We can enter the rest of faith and choose gratitude over grumpiness with nothing more than a willingness to remember who God is, what He has done, and what He promises to finish in our lives.

So, back to the moments: if you don’t put on your wings, the moments will, and you’ll watch them fly away. When you’re present to His power and promises, you’re present to you. Apart from Him, we show up in life incomplete and lacking the courage that comes from true confidence. He’s our finisher, the one who completes, encourages, and empowers us. It’s not the big stuff that moves us in the direction of our dreams and goals; it’s the little things we do consistently, without thought—including the habits and rituals—that make the biggest difference. Showing up in life is a little habit that produces big results!

The Israelites failed to show up, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. They died in the wilderness. We’ve all got reasons why the timing isn’t quite right, but the truth is that when you refuse to listen to your own excuses, you’ll stop listening to the excuses of others, and you’ll take action. More often than not, this one commitment is enough to keep any of us out of Egypt and moving on to Canaan. You’ve probably heard these truer-than-true words: Excuses or results—you can’t have both.

When I think about the incorruptible inheritance and supernatural resources we’ve been given to get to Canaan at Godspeed, I get fired up! The Israelites had all they needed to enter a land flowing with milk and honey, including Joshua’s and Caleb’s audacious leadership, but they forfeited all. What’s up with that? Complain and remain. Praise and be raised. How willing are you to stop blaming Pharaoh in order to take God at His word and possess the land given you?

A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.

—John Burroughs

In refusing to be humble, they were humbled. In refusing to rise up, they were disqualified. In refusing to see the error of their hurtful ways, the people were disempowered. God doesn’t dangle a carrot in front of our eyes to look at, and He hasn’t given us the moon so we can stand in awe of its beauty. He wants us to eat the good of the land and walk on the moon! Both of which require humility, faith, and confidence.

Have you come to the realization that the giants coming against you are nothing compared to the greatness within you? As soon as you do, you’ll be in a humble state of faith. And you’ll do the impossible as you choose to live out the truth of who you are. Can you think of any better way to build confidence than to believe yours is in God? He knows what you need to succeed! You’re equipped and empowered right now with everything you need to reclaim your life and future! Yes, you have an adversary, but the only power he has is the power you give him. Rise up, warrior! It’s time to harness your power and possess the land of promise.

They shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

—Job 36:11 KJV

Take time to review the bonus material at the end of the book in the section titled Five Steps to Surrender.

Qs to Ponder

1. Can you describe both your current location and your desired destination?

2. What do you see as your greatest obstacle in getting from here to there?

3. What resources do you have to overcome the obstacle?

Lesson #2

Know God or Know About God?

N o doubt you’ve heard yourself or others declare God’s omnipotence by exclaiming, Oh yeah, God can do whatever He wants, with the inference, But in my case, I’m not sure He will. There is a big difference between knowing about God and knowing God; knowing that He can is not the same as knowing that He will .

Years ago I was taken back by the realization that God, the lover of my soul, was the same God Almighty who had brought horrific plagues upon the Egyptians in the Old Testament. I caught myself crying out to Him, "What does this even mean? Who are you, really?" And why did you send all those snakes?

I’d been studying the Bible and walking intimately with God for a number of years, and I had my own personal testimony of His deliverance in my life, but there were still some things I couldn’t quite wrap my head and heart around. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing and the honor of kings to search it out (Proverbs 25:2 paraphrased). I was all about the search because I knew a revelation of Christ in me was, is, and will always be, my answer. I was beginning to understand the familiar words, The Old Testament conceals and the New Testament reveals. (Meaning that Christ is hidden in every book of the Old Testament and unveiled in every book of the New Testament.)

While reading in Exodus one morning, I found it interesting that God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an overpowering strength rather than the personal, intimate, relevant God I know Him to be. In that moment I recalled a conversation Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well, where He said, in effect, You worship what you don’t know, and we worship what we do know. The difference between religious worship and the heartfelt submission and honor of true eternal life is in knowing the one you call God. In summary, before the time of Moses, the Hebrew people perceived God from a distance as God Almighty, and after the work of redemption was completed, we were reconciled to know Him as up-close and personal, Lord.

The Egyptians, like many pagan cultures, worshipped a wide variety of nature-gods and attributed their powers to the natural phenomena they saw in the world around them. There was a god of the sun, of the river, of childbirth, of crops, etc. Events such