It isn’t always so easy to simply “go forward in faith.” On the way to observing the Feast of Tabernacles and Eighth Day Feast, I couldn’t help but reflect on the symbolism of entering the Promised Land. In a figurative sense, my wife and I were on our way to the Promised Land as we boarded our flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—where we joined around 740 others intent on also entering the Promised Land.

I thought of Joshua and Caleb who were very faithful in encouraging Moses and the Israelites “to take possession of the Land of Canaan at once” for “He who is on our side is much greater than anyone or anything that would dare oppose the God of Israel!” (Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:9)

Joshua and Caleb are two very recognizable names, especially when mentioned together. But can you name even a single one of the 10 unfaithful spies who claimed to be as “grasshoppers” before the “giants” of the land of Canaan? Probably not, although their names are all clearly mentioned in Numbers 13:4-16.

I consider it quite remarkable that in the whole scheme of events throughout human history, a group of faithful men and women, along with many children, have consistently observed these days that picture God’s wonderful plan of salvation for all humankind.

Can you find recorded anywhere in the Bible such a time when thousands of God-fearing, God-loving people have faithfully observed these days continuously for 40-50-60, even 70 years running?

We are a people unique in human and biblical history to have been called by God and have remained faithful to the revealed truth and meaning of these very special annual Holy Days.

Along with our Sabbath observance—clearly a sign between God and His peo ple—we are indeed blessed to be called by God in this day and age and to have the understanding we have been given. Every good and perfect gift is from God our Father (James 1:17) and this understanding of the Sabbath and annual Holy Days is a wonderful gift from God!

Let us continue to go forward in faith, believing that God will be true to His promises:

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

And never forget the encouraging words of a faithful servant of God, the apostle Paul:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

When the children of Israel were faced with crossing the sea in front of them, with Pharaoh and his powerful army closing in behind them, God’s instruction to them was “move forward” (Exodus 14:15).

They did so, and God intervened as the waters parted and they crossed over on dry ground. Their enemies continued to pursue, but were quickly swallowed up by the same waters that had parted for the Israelites.

Brethren, rather than allowing “post-Feast blues” to discourage us, let us all move forward in faith as we move ever closer to God’s Promised Land, the Kingdom of God!