Commemorate

"Then Moses said to the people,

'Commemorate this day,

the day you came out of Egypt,

out of the land of slavery,

because the LORD brought you out of it

with a mighty hand.'"

Exodus 13:3

The glow of the candles transformed the darkened room into a magical place.  As friends and family gathered around, voices joined in unison to wish my husband a happy birthday.  He beamed before the cake, looking around at all those he loved as his thoughts went to the many memories he shared with them.  The usually composed man was nearly moved to tears as he pondered the meaning of this day; the day in which God ushered his newly-minted life into this world.

Birthday celebrations are a kind of commemoration where we remember the day of our birth.  In the same way that we can use that time to honor all that God has done in our lives, there is another kind of memorial that is a part of many believer's lives.   This remembrance ritual is what we call, "communion."  

Whether we take part in this sacrament once a week, every month or only on special occasions, it is a time when we can commemorate what the Lord has done for us through Jesus Christ.  For those of us who are saved by faith in Christ, we have as much to celebrate as did the Israelites of old.  Taking the time to intentionally remember all we have been given is encouraged during this usually sober rite.

Deliverance

After more than 40 years in prison, the man who claimed innocence from the time he was arrested for starting an Arizona hotel fire in 1970 walked out of jail a free man.  The first thing he did was go for a walk to enjoy nature and then eat some fast food.  He hardly knew what to do with his new-found freedom but he thanked God for giving him the chance.

While I have never served time behind bars, I have been a prisoner of a different kind.  My jail cell was not a physical one but was made up of the shackles of sin and death that bound me as profoundly as any iron manacles could. (Romans 6:20-21) Before I knew Jesus, I had no choice but to do as my sinful nature dictated, sending me on a road that led to destruction.  As much as a drowning woman cannot save herself, so I was powerless to release myself of this eternally-damning burden. (Ephesians 2:4)

Jesus Christ freed me from the heavy yoke of sin that earned me death.  When He died on the cross, taking the death sentence my sins deserved, He saved me from the wrath of God.  Instead of being His enemy, I am now considered to be His precious child, adopted into His family by the blood of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 5:6-11,1 John 3:1)

Since I have been freed from such a burden, I must take the time to regularly remember how significant is this act of salvation.  Not only have I been promised eternal life, but I have been granted a life of fulfillment and deep meaning in the here and now. (John 10:10) This is not to say I will never suffer or go through hard times, but rather that as I live my life I have a connection to the One who made me that will empower me to live victoriously as His child.  If God is for me in such a profound way, how can anything He has created come between me and His great love for me? (Romans 8:38-39)

The deliverance from the shackles of sin and death that I have experienced at the hand of a loving God is reason enough to celebrate.

Promise

For hundreds of years the people of God had heard about the Promise.  One day soon, they would enter into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land every Israelite dreamed about, the land that they could finally call their own after years of living in a place belonging to someone else.  Now they were on the cusp of stepping into the Promise first given to their father Abraham and perpetuated and expanded upon for generations.  Now, this great nation that was promised to their forefathers would one day soon inhabit a land that belonged to them.  (Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 3:8, Exodus 13:5)

The Israelites had a lot to celebrate!  Not only were they free from the bondage of slavery, but they were about to see a long-standing promised be fulfilled.  In a similar way, I have been promised an abundant life that will last for all of eternity.  Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for me in heaven; a special spot in our Father's house that I can call my own.  (John 14:2-3)

Consequently, I too have a lot to celebrate!  I have the hope of eternity with my Father who loves me in a place that has been created specifically for me.  I also have the promise of an abundant life here where I am free from the guilt of sin, gathered into a family of believers who loves me and given a host of gifts to share and build up my brothers and sisters in deep and meaningful ways.

Therefore, since I am surrounded by such abundance, I must never forget the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for me that makes it all possible, always keeping in mind from where I came.

The promise of a full, rich life here and an eternal one afterward is reason enough to celebrate.

Redemption

The firstborn belonged to the Lord.  The Israelites were instructed to give the first males birthed back to Him as a reminder that they were His in the first place.  In a the same way that I offer back to the Lord the first ten percent of my income that rightfully belongs to Him, the people of Israel gave back the firstfruits of their flocks.  

Moreover, the first of the children born into their families also belonged to the Lord.  Instead of demanding them in sacrifice, however, the Lord allowed a provision where they could buy back the child by replacing him on the altar with a lamb or a young goat.  (Exodus 13:11-16)  In the same way that the blood of the Passover lamb protected their firstborn sons from certain death at the hand of God and were in a sense "bought back" from Him, so they are to remember God's rightful possession of their firstborn sons.  It is only in sacrificing a lamb to the Lord that they can redeem their child.

In a similar way, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, bought my life back for me.  His sacrifice saved me from the wrath of God in the same way that the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelite firstborns from death.  I have been bought at a price so that my life no longer belongs to me but to Christ.  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 1:7)

Therefore, since I have been saved from such a certain fate, I can live as a child of God who is dearly loved and profoundly treasured.  I can spend my time in ways that honor Him.  I can give my life back as a way to show my love for the One who made it all possible.

The redemption I have through the blood of Jesus Christ is reason enough to celebrate.

Every time I take the Lord's Supper, I can remember all He has done for me and celebrate what I've been given.  I have received deliverance from the burden of sin and death, the promise of an abundant life here and eternal life, as well as the redemption I receive through the blood of Jesus.  As a result, I must take the time to commemorate these great gifts every time I partake of this special ritual.  When I do, I realize how much I have to celebrate!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live my life with the constant reminder that I have much for which to honor the Lord.

When do I take communion without thought to what there is to celebrate?

How do I so easily forget the abundant life I have in Christ?   

Deliverance

"During the night Pharaoh summoned

Moses and Aaron and said,

'Up!  Leave my people,

you and the Israelites!

Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.

Take your flocks and herds,

as you have said,

and go.

And also bless me.'"

Exodus 12:31-32

The minute hand on the clock seemed to be moving much slower than it should, as if the batteries were running out of power.  "Is it time yet?" 

"No, girls, we need to wait for the man to make the announcement that its time to board the plane.  Right now, we just have to wait."

My family and I were catching a ride with a military flight heading back to the west coast of the U.S. from Germany so we could visit my grandmother during what came to be the final few weeks of her life.  I took on a better understanding of the oft-quoted Army adage,"Hurry up and wait," as we sat for hours waiting for our flight after rushing to the airport hours earlier in order to make the report time.  It seemed our plane would never leave.

Finally, after 4 hours, an attendant rushed into the waiting room and announced the departure of our flight.  He hurriedly gave instructions to gather our baggage and load up on a bus that would take us to the C-5 cargo aircraft where we would climb a set of mobile stairs to the upper deck seating area located above the payload.  We rushed to gather our things and follow the directions given to us, thankful to finally be on our way.

Many times God offers sudden, unexpected relief after a long time of oppression, suffering or waiting.  While it is certainly welcomed, in the same way that our family was relieved to finally be on our way to the U.S., things can seem to move overwhelmingly fast after such a long time of delay.  I can always trust God, however, that it is all a part of His master plan.

Preparation

Put no yeast in the dough.

Leave no meat until morning; burn all leftovers.

Eat quickly, with your staff in your hand, your sandals on your feet and your cloak tucked into your belt.

Be ready to go.

After years of suffering under the hand of Pharaoh, the Israelites had finally reached the time of deliverance. (Exodus 12:9-11) As much as they had wanted to leave Egypt, when the time finally came it was a quick exit.  Thankfully, God prepared them.  He gave them specific instructions of what to eat and how to consume it.  The Lord even thought of the importance of leaving out the yeast so they would be able to take the unleavened dough with them and bake it for consumption on their journey. (Exodus 12:37-39)  Who has time to let dough rise when traveling?

God is equally as concerned about preparing me for my time to move.  While it may seem I'm in a time of no action, little activity, or minor movement; God is still at work, getting things into place in preparation for the time when He says, "Go!"

Therefore, I need not worry that my life is a waste of time, or that my suffering will never end. Instead, I can trust that the God who never changes is getting me ready for what is to come.  So, I'd better be prepared, because when He says to move I may not have time to get my shoes on or to gather my belongings.  When it's time to go, I need to go.

In the same way that God prepared the Israelites for a fast departure, he is preparing me in ways I cannot detect for what is to come.

Favor

"Sure, we will issue the permit."

"Oh, let me tear up that parking ticket.  Don't worry about it."

"It's okay, let me get you registered.  Even though you're past the deadline, I can still sign you up."

These are the kinds of things my husband hears on a regular basis.  I could never understand why people seemed to fall all over themselves to help him, even if he missed a deadline, broke a rule, or didn't have all the needed information.  People simply seemed predisposed to giving him assistance.

This is called the favor of God. Others will find themselves wanting to help without even knowing why, simply because God moved their hearts to do so.  If I trust God to fight my battles for me like my husband does, I will also find barriers lifted, rules excepted, and assistance offered, all because God's favor is upon me.

This is the phenomenon the people of Israel discovered when they were rushing to leave Egypt.  The slaves asked their neighbors for valuables and clothing that they could take with them on their adventure.  Even though these families were grieving the loss of their firstborn children and were eager to be ride of the troublemakers, the Egyptians were surprisingly willing to hand over gold, silver and garments for them to wear. (Exodus 12:35-36)  God's favor was upon His people.

I can trust God in a similar way to move obstacles out of my way when I'm walking down the path on which He is leading me.  This is not because I am more important than anyone else, or special in some way, but in order for His will to come to pass.  If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) I can trust Him to take care of the details as He makes sure His name is glorified in my life.

In the same way that God's favor was upon His people as they exited Egypt, so God will grant me favor in order for His plan to come to pass.

Vigil

"I was awake last night for several hours and I felt the need to pray for you."

How strange, I thought. That was the very time I was struggling the most.

In the same way that my friend kept a kind of vigil for me that night, so God is always on guard duty, keeping watch over the details of my life.  While the horrible final plague before the Israelites' exit was being played out, the Lord stood watch. (Exodus 12:42)  

He never sleeps or slumbers, but keeps track of all the major and minor details, knowing when each of His own rests and when we worry.  He never takes His eyes off those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.  Furthermore, He is more attentive than the mother of a newborn, hearing every cry of despair or whimper of discouragement.  He is always aware, ready to comfort, encourage and soothe my fears. (Psalm 34:15)

While I may feel all alone in my suffering, I am never truly by myself.  God is always with me, even in my darkest hour.  He is keeping watch until the appointed time of the dawn.

In the same way that God stood vigil over His people during the night of the worst plague, so God watches over me in my time of greatest need.

I may feel like this period of suffering, waiting or inactivity will never end.  Even though it seems nothing is happening, God is busy preparing me, granting His favor upon me, and watching over me.  While it may seem like it will never come, my day of deliverance will soon be here!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to realize He is preparing for what is to come.

When do I trust in my feelings more than I put my faith in God's promises?

How do I forget about God's constant presence and instead feel utterly alone? 

God of Forethought

"When you enter the land 

the LORD has promised to give you,

you will continue to observe this ceremony. 

Then your children will ask,

'What does this ceremony mean?'

And you will reply,

'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD,

for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt.

And though he struck the Egyptians,

he spared our families.'

When Moses had finished speaking,

all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped."

Exodus 12:25-27 NLT

The woman worried as she watched her husband suffer in pain.  He had been through a bizarre motorcycle accident which left him with two broken feet, a sore shoulder and some scrapes and bruises.  Through the days he lay enduring the agony, she sat at his bedside, comforting him as best she could.  Inside, she was wondering how she would care for him at home, how long it would be before the swelling would go down enough so the surgeon could repair the fractures, and when the pain would subside.  So much unknown.

While this woman knew enough about God to realize a fraction of His power, she was still learning of His immense sovereignty.  Therefore, when the good news came a few days later that her beloved husband would be going home that week and that surgery was no longer necessary, she couldn't help but say, "God is good."

Yes, God is good all the time, even in the midst of the worst, while the pain is at its height, or when I don't know how I will get through the day.  God is always good.  (James 1:17)  God is also a God of forethought and planning.  In the same way that He knows what tomorrow will bring for me personally, He also had the foresight to plan for my salvation long before I came into existence.  There is no greater picture of this long-term vision than in the story of the Passover.

Slavery

Since the time of Joseph, the offspring of Jacob had been living in Egypt.  For 430 years, God's people had been living in this foreign land, much of it spent as slaves to the kings who ruled there.  As time went on, those in bondage cried out to the God of their fathers, seeking rescue from their suffering.

In God's perfect timing, He sent Moses as the mode of rescue for His people.  In the same way that the people who were identified as God's precious possession needed rescue from the oppression of the Egyptians (Exodus 3:7-10), so the ones who bear His image suffer under a different kind of bondage and require a similar kind of salvation.

Sin holds each man captive to death and destruction. (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:23)  In the same way that the Israelites were incapable of saving themselves from the cruel chains of Pharaoh, so I am completely at the mercy of my own sin, unable to free myself from the death sentence under which I suffer. (Romans 6:23)  While the people of Israel needed a rescuer to release them from the burden of slavery, so I need a savior to free me from my body of sin and death. 

How can I ever have hope when I am completely incapable of breaking free from my very flesh which puts me in opposition to God?(Romans 5:10) 

In the same way that God's people of old were slaves to Egypt, so we are slaves to sin.

Salvation

The plagues came fast and heavy, devastating the land of Egypt.  All the water turned to blood; frogs, gnats and flies infested the earth; an outbreak of disease killed all the livestock while boils devastated the people; hail and locusts destroyed crops and vegetation; darkness so thick it could be felt frightened the inhabitants. (Exodus 7-12)  There was no doubt God was sending a strong message to Pharaoh.

Nothing, however, compared to what was to come.  Death was about to enter every household in Egypt.  If the Israelites hoped to be saved from the work of the destroying angel, they would need protection from the inevitable.  Without salvation, each family would suffer the loss of their firstborn.

It is no different with me.  My sin earns me death.  I cannot escape the inevitable.  My destination is eternal separation from a holy God and everlasting punishment for my disobedience to His perfect law.  I'm doomed. (Romans 6:23)

In the same way that God's people of old were in need of protection from the wrath of God, so I need salvation from the wages my sins earn.

Blood

It seemed like a strange ritual, but each of God's people obeyed, sobered to the point of obedience by the destruction that surrounded them in the land of Egypt.  They each slaughtered the perfect year-old male sheep or goat they had set aside from the rest of the flocks, careful to follow the directions Moses had given them.  Setting aside some blood in a basin, each family dipped a bundle of hyssop branches into the warm liquid and brushed it on top of the door frame as well as on either side. (Exodus 12:21-23) 

As the LORD passed through the land that night, the blood was a sign to Him that the destroying angel could pass over that home.  All the houses without the protection of the blood suffered the death of their firstborn, both human and animal.  Loud wailing rose through the land as not one Egyptian family avoided tragedy.

In the same way that the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from the wrath of God, so the blood of the perfect Lamb of God shields those who enter under its protection by faith. (John 1:29)

Jesus, without sin himself, became sin so that I might live through His sacrifice, becoming the very righteousness of God.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)  Even though I have no hope of pleasing God in my own effort, the blood of Jesus makes it possible to do so.  I have been reconciled to the One who created me for relationship with Him.  While sin broke that bond, the blood of Jesus repaired it forever. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ my Lord who came to set me free from the law of sin and death!  (Romans 7:24-25)

In the same way that God's people of old were saved by the blood of the Passover lamb, so I am saved for eternity by the blood of Jesus.

The Lord is a God of forethought.  He knew of my bondage to sin, my need for a Savior, and that the blood of His perfect Son would be the only way to shield me from His wrath.  Nowhere is this more perfectly illustrated than in the story of the Passover, where God saw the suffering in slavery of His people, sent a savior named Moses to rescue them, and protected His people from certain death by the blood of a flawless lamb.  Since He is such a God of forethought, I can not only put my faith in Jesus Christ who is at the center of His plan of salvation, but I can trust Him to orchestrate my life with perfect foresight.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can put my faith in the God who has my future in His hands.

When do I worry because I'm afraid of the unknown, forgetting that God sees all?

How have I failed to trust God implicitly? 

Two-Fold Purpose

"Then the LORD said to Moses,

'Return to the Pharaoh and make your demands again.

I have made him and his officials stubborn

so I can display my miraculous signs among them.

I've also done it so you can tell your children

and grandchildren 

about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians 

and about the sings I displayed among them--

and so you will know that I am the LORD.'"

Exodus 10:1-2 NLT

It seemed like the cruelest of jokes.  God promised to deliver His people from the brutality of bondage under the merciless hand of the Pharaoh, king of Egypt.  Instead of ushering them out of slavery, however, God hardened the heart of this ruler so that plague after plague could be sent forth throughout the land.  The Lord intentionally prolonged the suffering of His people, delaying the day of their deliverance and salvation. (Exodus 4-12)

Why would God not usher His people out of oppression and directly into freedom?  Why is that God was willing to delay the promised relief of those who called Him by name?  Why did He deem as acceptable the continued suffering for those He claimed to love?

The people of Israel must have felt like they got the short end of the stick in this deal.  While God did send a deliverer to them, it must have been hard to understand the method and timetable He was using.

I can relate.  There are times in my life when I can think of a much less painful way for God to help me, or a more enjoyable process through which I can learn His ways.  During these times, when it seems things are hopeless and I can't understand what God is doing, I might consider that He is using this time to show His might.  

It is only by delivering me through hard times instead of rescuing me from the suffering that I learn something about God.  His purposes for using this method are two-fold.

Legacy

"Tell me the story about you and Grandpa during the Depression,"  the little girl demanded as she snuggled down in her grandmother's lap.

"Well, alright.  Your grandfather and I were on the verge of losing our home.  We didn't know what to do but we did know God.  So we asked Him for help and told Him that we trusted Him to take care of us."

"Say the words, Grandma!"

The old woman chuckled at her granddaughter's enthusiasm. "Lord, we're desperate but You are at peace.  We are at a loss but You are in the middle of a great plan.  We don't know what tomorrow may bring but You hold it in the palm of your hand.  So, because You are mighty and worthy to be praised, we place all our cares at your feet, trusting You to supply our needs."

"Then what happened?  What's next?"

"You know what happens next, child! You've heard this a million times!"

"Tell me, Grandma!"

"Okay, okay.  A man from the bank walked up our driveway the following day with a piece of paper in his hands.  He told us that he couldn't understand it, but somehow the bank had made a mistake and our house was paid in full.  Then he handed over the deed and shook each one of our hands."

"Then what did you do?"

"Grandpa and I danced for joy right there in the front yard.  We sang praises to our God who is mighty to save."

Legacy.  The testimonies of God's greatness that is passed down from generation to generation is important to the faith of those who follow behind us.  If God never brought me through anything difficult, there wouldn't be much for me to tell my children and grandchildren about the power of God.  

Instead of leaving me without a testimony, then, God sometimes chooses to take me through the valley of the shadow of death so I can learn more intimately of His comforting presence. Then, I can tell others about His compassion.

As a way of supplying me with a story to tell of the goodness of God, He might send me into a time of darkness where I am surrounded by evil.  As I rely on Him, I more fully realize His goodness as it contrasts with all the darkness I see around me.

So I won't have to go on without evidence of His sovereignty, He may allow me to suffer the loss of a loved one, giving me a wider scope of His mysterious greatness.  I then can pass on the lesson of His unfathomable supremacy that cannot be comprehended by the puny human mind.

When God takes me through suffering instead of delivering me from it, He is building for me a legacy of His greatness.

Wake-Up Call

He thought he had it all figured out:  He would finish college with a degree in architecture, sign on with a successful firm and work his way up to partner, one day owning his own company.  Then came the accident.  When he woke up in the hospital unable to move his hands, he soon learned he had been in a horrible car crash where he lost the use of his arms and hands.  His dreams were lost in the blink of an eye.

This young man eventually came around to accept the fact that his plan was not going to come true.  He also learned that he is not the one in control of his own life, but that God is the only One who holds the blueprint for all of his days.  While it is fine and dandy to make plans, the Lord is the One who orders our footsteps.  (Proverbs 16:9)

When God brings me through a tragedy, crisis or heartbreak, He may be giving me a similar kind of wake-up call, reminding me of His sovereignty.  It's easy to get to the point where I think I have everything under control.  I convince myself that I have a plan and as long as I follow it step-by-step, everything will be okay.  

Then God allows the unthinkable into my life:  The sickness, the financial crisis, the natural disaster.  Suddenly, I realize I'm at His mercy and there's nothing I can do to deliver myself from the situation.  I've been given a chance to recognize God's rightful place as Lord and acknowledge that my life is truly in His hands.

When God takes me through suffering instead of delivering me from it, He is reminding me of His sovereign power over all of His creation, and of my place as His precious child.

It is easy to get mad when I'm thrown a curve-ball.  I'm so quick to point out how it's not fair that I have to suffer or that it seems I can never get a break.  Instead of complaining about how horrible my life is, I can choose to see how God is using the suffering in my life to build a testimony of His greatness, and to remind me of Who is truly in control.  When I think of it this way instead of focusing on my pain, I may see the good that is coming out of His purpose for my life.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can trust God through the suffering I'm enduring.

When do I tend to feel sorry for myself instead of realizing God has a good plan that includes this suffering?

How do I forget that God is in control and instead think I can somehow orchestrate my own life?

Evidence of Fear

"Therefore, at this time tomorrow

I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt,

from the day it was founded till now.

Give an order now to bring your livestock

and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter,

because the hail will fall on every person

and animal that has not been brought in 

and is still out in the field,

and they will die.

Those officials of Pharaoh

who feared the word of the LORD

hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside.

But those who ignored the word of the LORD

left their slaves and livestock in the field."

Exodus 9:18-21

Driving past their house, I knew the residents loved gardening.  Even though we lived in Army housing and every unit looked the same, this particular home stood out.  Exotic plants flourished in every flowerbed, the lawn was immaculately mowed and edged, and the trees were lovingly cared for and trimmed.  I could tell something about the people who lived in that house simply by observing their yard.

It's the same with my life.  People can tell something about me simply by observing the way I live.  If I fear, respect and revere the Lord, it will be evident in my actions to those around me.

Heed Warnings

Hurricanes can be deadly in their fury, but these storms are also unpredictable.  The science of storm-prediction has improved greatly over the years but it is still not 100% accurate.  As a result, many of the warnings issued to people in the path of a potentially devastating hurricane are simply ignored.  People are willing to take their chances that the alarms are overblown and exaggerated because they may have heeded in the past, only to see a weak storm blow through their community with no damage done.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was a perfect example of this theory.  Even though people were advised to seek shelter inland, many residents of New Orleans chose to stay in their homes, assuming they could ride out the storm.  Unfortunately, lives were lost because of this foolish decision to ignore their community leaders' advice.  Countless resources were utilized in order to rescue others who were stranded due to their unwillingness to pay attention to the cautions issued before the storm.

As easy as it is to see the foolishness in this example, I often don't realize I fall into the same category when it comes to heeding the warnings of God.  It is very easy to ignore the gentle, quiet promptings He gives me when I'm headed for destruction.  As I read His Word, it is no trouble for me to discount the admonitions I find there, thinking I may have more time or that they don't apply to me.  

The lesson found in Katrina, however, is that God gives warnings intentionally, and it is quite reckless for me to put Him off.  When I feel that sense of foreboding as I drive into the abandoned parking lot, then, I would be wise to find another place to leave my car.  Or when I read that, "friendship with the world is hatred toward God," I reveal my respect for God when I live in the world but not become a part of it. (James 4:4)  Or when I turn on the television only to find a false teacher who preaches the words my itching ears long to hear, I will only be able to change the channel if I honor God above my own fleshly desires. (2 Timothy 4:3)

I show whether or not I fear the Lord in the way I deal with His warnings.

Act Immediately

The toddler ran gleefully down the hill, giggling as he went, oblivious to the danger that lay in his path.  "Stop!" his father commanded.  Immediately, the little boy stopped in his tracks and turned to look at his dad.  Unbeknownst to the tot, his father had just saved him from certain death.  As the father scooped his son up in his arms, a semi-truck rumbled past on the country road.  Even though the little boy hadn't sensed the danger, his dad could see the 18-wheeler making its way up the road.  The toddler's immediate obedience to his father's command saved his little life.

I am just like that little boy, oblivious to the dangers that lurk all around me.  My heavenly Father, though, is not unaware.  When He warns, it is important that I act immediately.

Often, however, I find myself tarrying, waiting to see if I can detect any evidence of the impending doom.  Instead of trusting God implicitly, I sometimes doubt whether His caution is necessary.

I may think I can get away with my present diet even though God used my doctor to warn me to lay off the salt and sugar.  Or, I could justify my stubborn defiance against God's gentle caution to show more respect toward my husband, telling myself his lack of love and care toward me rightfully earns my contempt.  I might also have all the excuses in the world for why I'm not tithing even though I know in my heart God wants me to trust Him enough to give back 10% of what He gives to me.

In all of these instances, dragging my feet cannot be translated into obedience.  Even if I'm thinking I'll come around in a matter of time, I'm still digging in my heels. No matter what reason I give, my inaction is a show of disrespect toward God; of that I cannot deny.

I show whether or not I fear the Lord in the length of time it takes me to obey Him.

Not Influenced

The lone bird sang his song of praise to His Creator in the still, pre-dawn hours.  No other creature could be heard stirring at this early time of the morning.  His tune pierced the tranquility of the day.

This little songster did not let the apathy of the other birds dissuade him from singing his own melody.  This is the kind of faith I want.  It is easy to do what God is telling me to do when I have others to support me.  When no one else is acting, however, I might find it a little difficult to follow-through.

When others make fun of my decision to follow my Shepherd down the lonely, rocky path, I can either keep going or turn back in embarrassment. (Matthew 7:13-14)  When so-called friends ridicule the message God has placed on my heart, I can follow through with what He has called me to do, or I can cave into the scorn of those around me.  When apathy seems to rule the lives of those with whom I've surrounded myself, I can either join in with their indifferent attitude, or I can find like-minded believers who will passionately join me in my pursuit of righteousness. (2 Timothy 2:22)

I show whether or not I fear the Lord in how much I let others influence my obedience to Him.

In the same way that I could discern something about the people who lived in the military housing with the immaculate yard, others can perceive things about my relationship with God in the way I live my life.  It will be evident that I respect Him if I heed His warnings, act immediately when He calls, and refuse to let others dissuade me from my decision to obey Him.  In this way, I am giving evidence that I fear the Lord.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can revere God more than I care what people think.

How do I let others negatively influence my actions?

When do I drag my feet when God issues a warning to act? 

The Finger of God

"Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod

and struck the dust of the earth,

and there came biting gnats or mosquitoes 

on man and beast;

all the dust of the land became biting gnats or mosquitoes

throughout all the land of Egypt.

The magicians tried by their enchantments

and secret arts to bring for gnats or mosquitoes,

but they could not;

and there were gnats or mosquitoes

on man and beast.

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh,

'This is the finger of God!'

But Pharaoh's heart was hardened and strong

and he would not listen to them,

just as the Lord had said."

Exodus 8:17-19 AMP

The doctors couldn't explain it.  The nurses and other medical personnel had never seen anything like it.  Everyone was surprised to see the test results because it went against the expected outcome.  Everyone, that is, except the parents of the 11-year-old little boy.  You see, they had faith that God could heal the tiny fractures in their son's back, so they prayed for it.  Not only that, but they asked the elders at church to lay their hands on him and pray.  And lo and behold if not a few weeks later did his doctor receive the surprise of his life, prompting him to say,  "I've never seen anything like this in my 25 years of practice."

There are some things that cannot be explained with human reasoning.  These miracles defy nature, go outside the norm, and blow away all reasonable expectations: They can only be described as the work of God.

Radical Change

She went from being a drug addict known for her radical mood swings and eradicate behavior to an even-keeled, responsible woman who could be counted on to jump in and lend a helping hand where needed.  

He who was known for his driven personality and cut-throat business dealings suddenly became identified by his compassionate demeanor and willingness to drop everything to help one in need.

The once all-consuming goal held by the scientist to reach the top of his field of work unexpectedly faded, replaced by a desire to love God and serve others.

These are examples of a radical change experienced by those who give their lives to Christ.  He takes the old and makes it new, transforming our minds so that what used to be vitally important suddenly means nothing. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 3:7)  This kind of change can only be accomplished by an all-powerful God.

Therefore, I can trust Him to bring about a similar transformation in the lives of the neighbor who is a constant thorn in my side, or the co-worker who can find nothing positive to say, or the spouse who feels the need to remind me of all my faults on a regular basis.  There is nothing man can do to change a heart, but God is in the business of bringing about such radical changes.

A fundamental transformation of character can only be explained as a work of a loving, powerful God.

Miraculous Healing

Her once ever-present sense of guilt and shame was suddenly gone.  The fear and pain that had become a constant companion faded away.  Where this woman's sleep was regularly interrupted by horrific nightmares, she now experienced peace and rest as soon as her head hit the pillow.  

Sarah had grown up suffering tremendous abuse inflicted at the hand of her cruel and sadistic father.  When she gave her life to Christ and stepped into His gracious and loving arms, however, He began the process of healing her emotional wounds, giving her freedom from all that had plagued her throughout her lifetime.

I can go to the most skilled counselors who will use their training and gifts to walk me through past traumas, tragedies or abuse, helping me to come out on the other side whole and ready to move on with my life.  Only God, however, can bring about complete healing.  He can use people to accomplish His work, but all the glory goes to Him for the great things He has done.

Likewise, God can also bring about physical or spiritual healing in ways that a physician or pastor simply cannot accomplish.  When the Lord performs this kind of miracle, those who witness it gain a new sense of God's character and might.

A miraculous healing of any kind can only be explained as the work of a mighty God.

Sudden Provision

When I look back over the past year, I can't explain it.  My family's income did not match up to our expenses, but our bills have all been paid, we never went a day without food, and we all have everything we need.  If I had to clarify how this happened, I would come up with a loss of words.  There are some things that can only be attributed to God's provision.

My neighbor could tell the same story.  They were getting ready to move but still needed to get rid of a car that no longer worked.  While they had taken the steps to try to sell it, neither of the perspective buyers had returned his calls.  As the the day wore on and the moving truck became more and more filled, he wondered what he should do.  He couldn't just leave the car sitting in the driveway after he left.

Finally, about an hour before it was time to begin his journey to his family's new home, he received a phone call.  The man who had looked at the car earlier decided he wanted to buy it.  My neighbor went to meet him, and they transferred the title and exchanged funds.  God had suddenly provided a solution at the final hour.

Anyone who walks with the Lord experiences a similar kind of provision from out of nowhere.  Sometimes its the offer of a helping hand at just the right moment, a check in the mail when the cupboards are bare, or a need being filled in a way that cannot be explained.  Whatever the mode, however, the source is always the One who has unlimited resources.  (Psalm 50:10)

A sudden provision can only be explained as the work of an exceedingly rich God.  (Philippians 4:19)

There are some things in life that simply cannot be explained with human reasoning.  These are the acts that can be attributed to a mighty God.  Only He can bring about a radical change, perform a miraculous healing, or supply a sudden provision.  And when those around witness the finger of God in these ways, He gets all the glory!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for God's inexplicable acts among the ordinary events of the day.

When do I think God only works in ways that can be understood, placing Him in a tiny box?

How am I minimizing the resources of God in the low expectations I have for Him?