Our church is in the middle of a sermon series on Exodus, and yesterday we were in Exodus chapter 15, verses one through eighteen. We read the song of Moses and the Israelites, which is a remembrance of how God mightily delivered them from Egypt. A kind of "mountain top experience" that the Israelites remembered for years.
But the part of the sermon that I really identified with was back in chapter 14:1-13, when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and they were on their way toward the promised land. What did God have them do next? He had them turn back and make camp so Pharoah would see their "wandering confusion" in the desert and chase after them, in order that God would be glorified in the situation. And they obeyed Him...but as soon as they saw Pharaoh approaching, they panicked and wished that they had stayed in Egypt instead of "dying in the desert". I can just imagine them thinking, "What in the world is God doing? This isn't how it is supposed to go!" Pastor Fred also shared some historical facts about the the way God led the Israelites out of Egypt. It was not the straight northeast way that would have seemed to be the "easiest and the best way", but instead He led them through the wilderness of Sinai and the desert. God in His wisdom knew the "easy way" was lined with Egyptian fortresses. He knew that the Israelites would face those difficulties, get discouraged and likely turn back if they went that way. So in His mercy, He brought them out a different way. It was still a difficult route, but a much harsher alternative could have been theirs.
It is the same today. In my own life it is easy to say that I trust God, but when push comes to shove, when heartache and difficulties are all that I can see, I find myself questioning and doubting God's plan and the path that He has me following. It is so easy for me to think that I know what is best for me and try to take matters into my own hands. But as I read about the Israelites' experience, I realize that God knows infinitely more than my limited view can ever see. He knows the best path for me to be on. It doesn't matter if I am on the highest mountain top or in the lowest valley. All I am to do is as Exodus 14:13 says; "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.....the LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Trust, obey, and be still.
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2 comments:
That is such a good thought, Karen! It is hard to wait on God when hardships come! What a good lesson in remembering this! He always has us on the right path - even if we can't see it!
Trust, obey, and be still
This says it all! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing something so personal and encouraging for all of us to remember.
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