Move Forward: Leadership Lessons from the Brook, the Sea, and the Plough

Because standing still is no longer an option. 

In a world full of pivots, pauses, and uncertainty, the real challenge isn’t in knowing what to do — it’s in knowing when to move and having the courage to actually do it. 

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, teaching in a classroom, or navigating your personal purpose, there's a moment when life whispers (or shouts), “It’s time to turn the page and move forward.” 

Two ancient yet relevant stories offer insight into this call to motion: 

Elijah at the Brook: When the Comfort Zone Closes 

Elijah was led by God to a quiet place — the brook Cherith — where he was miraculously fed by ravens (1 Kings 17). It was a season of provision, peace, and preservation. 

But the brook dried up. 

Elijah didn’t resist the shift. He listened for the next instruction — and moved. 

Leadership Insight: 

Every great leader will face a “Cherith moment” — a time when the system that once worked no longer does. Whether it's a stagnant job, expired routine, or dried-up passion, the key isn’t to mourn the brook. The key is to listen for what’s next. 

“And the word of the Lord came to him… Arise, go to Zarephath.” 

(1 Kings 17:8–9) 

Moses at the Red Sea: When Forward Feels Frightening 

At the Red Sea, the people stood between Pharaoh’s army and impossible waters. Fear rose. Complaints echoed. Moses encouraged them to stand still. 

But God said something different: 

“Why are you crying to me? Tell the people to move forward.” 

(Exodus 14:15) 

Sometimes we confuse stillness with faith, but there comes a moment when prayer must turn into movement. God's instruction to Moses was strategic: move forward before the sea parted. 

Leadership Insight: 

True faith isn’t always waiting — it’s walking. Even when the path isn’t clear. Even when the risk feels high. Movement is a form of trust. 

God Gets Glory in Motion 

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart on purpose (Exodus 14:17). Why? Because some battles aren't just about our deliverance — they’re about His glory. 

Your leadership journey — your forward motion — may stir resistance. But don’t panic. Your next step could be the very platform where God shows His power, even in the presence of your opposition. 

“Rise up, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered.” 

(Numbers 10:35) 

The Forward Code: Leadership Anchors from Scripture 

Here’s how scripture shapes the mindset of a forward-moving leader: 

“Turn not to the right hand or to the left…” (Deut. 5:32, Josh. 1:7, Prov. 4:27) 

Distractions can disguise themselves as opportunities. Stay aligned with your core values. 

“Only be strong and very courageous…” (Joshua 1:7) 

Leadership requires guts. Not reckless abandon — but resilient, principled courage. 

“They went every one straight forward... whither the Spirit was to go.” (Ezek. 1:12) 

Forward movement isn’t about speed — it’s about direction. 

“No one who puts their hand to the plough and looks back is fit...” (Luke 9:62) 

Looking back won’t build what’s ahead. Focus is fuel. 

“Forgetting what is behind… I press toward what is ahead.” (Phil. 3:13) 

Growth means releasing what no longer serves your future. 

Final Word: Forward Is the Only Way 

You can’t lead from the land of what was. The world is changing. The stakes are higher. Your purpose is calling. 

It’s time to: 

And as you do, trust this — the same God who commanded ravens, split seas, scattered enemies, and filled dry places with fresh purpose… is going ahead of you.