Trust God Enough

"But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

'Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites,

you will not bring this community into the land I give them.'"

Numbers 20:12

They had been there before and would probably be there again.  When they were slaves in Egypt, treated unfairly and beaten on a regular basis, they cried out to the Lord for salvation.  When God delivered them from bondage, setting them free from the cruel hand of the Egyptian taskmasters, they rejoiced for a time, that is until things didn't seem to be going the way they imagined they would go.  

As soon as the going got tough, the Israelites got to whining.  "We would have been better off if we been struck down with Korah's rebels! (Numbers 16)  At least they've been delivered from this suffering.  Even Egypt was better than this.  At least there we had grain, figs, grapes and pomegranates.  Out here in the desert, we don't even have water to drink!"  They complained to Moses and Aaron, blaming their leaders for bringing them out into the desert to die.  

Despite their bad attitudes, God heard their cries and instructed Moses to gather the people together and speak to a rock.  As soon as the words came from his mouth, God would bring forth water like a spring, supplying the people with a source of fresh water.  Instead of following God's instructions, however, Moses said, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring water out of this rock?"  In a show of dramatics, Moses then struck the rock twice.  Water gushed out and the people and livestock drank.  (Numbers 20:1-13)

As humble as Moses was, he did not take God's command seriously in this instance.  Out of frustration with the stiff-necked people under his care, he forgot the perfection and holiness of God.  As the Lord pointed out, Moses did not trust God enough to take Him at His word, instead trying to do things the way he thought was best.  Instead of doing it God's way, Moses obeyed using his own way, which is no obedience at all.

As clear as this rebellious spirit may be to me as I read the account of this event, I may not realize that I am often guilty of the same.

My Credit

I work hard, try to do the right thing and do my best to take good care of myself.  When things go well, then, it's easy for me to take credit for my promotion, the impact of a good deed, or a clean bill of health.  After all, I think to myself, I did try pretty hard; shouldn't I enjoy a pat on the back?

In reality, all good things are from the Lord. (James 1:17)  There is nothing good within me that is even capable of bringing about a result that is worthy of praise. (Romans 7:18, Jude 1:24-25)  Therefore, how can I honestly take credit for what God is doing in my life?

When Moses brought the people before the rock at Meribah, he did this very thing by taking credit for the miracle God was about to perform in bringing water out of an ordinary rock.  He said, ". . .must we bring you water out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:10)  Instead of acknowledging God as the source of the life-giving liquid, Moses tried to take credit for creating a new spring.

How often do I do the same?  I may think my financial security is due to my shrewd planning and frugal living. In reality, God gave me the ability to climb to the point where I now find myself, protecting me from ruin so I could enjoy the fruits of His grace and mercy.  

Other times I fool myself into thinking I've dodged the bullet of major health problems through exercise and good nutrition.  If the truth were told, however, my good health has more to do with genetics and God's sovereignty than with my efforts.  

Sometimes I try to take credit for my abilities, thinking it was my dedication and hard work that developed the talent and skills, completely ignoring the fact that God equipped me to do what He called me to accomplish in life.   

Whenever I am tempted to take credit for God's blessings, I would be wise to turn the praise back to the Lord, acknowledging Him in all my ways.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

My Way

Most people are familiar with the story of Robin Hood who stole from the rich to give to the poor.  This popular medieval folk figure could have adopted the precept that, "The ends justify the means."

While my human reasoning may agree with this principle, God does not.  He is concerned not only with the outcome, but also with the method used.  The way I get from point "A" to point "B" is just as important as the fact that I arrived at the intended destination.

When Moses took matters into his own hands and decided to strike the rock instead of speaking to it as God had instructed, he decided that his way was better than God's.  He may have thought,  as long as the people are supplied with water, does it matter how I brought it about? (Numbers 20:11)

God's focus is consistently on the heart of His people.  When I insist on tweaking the method to fit my vision, I am betraying a lack of trust in God's approach.  Instead of trusting God enough to buy into His way of doing things, I am essentially telling God that I don't think His plan will work.  God may be gracious enough to bring about the same result despite my disobedience like He did with Moses, but there will be consequences for insisting on using my own method.  

For Moses, this consequence was that he would not be allowed to lead his people into the promised land.  For me, it could be the loss of a certain blessing, or the lack of trust, or a broken relationship.   True obedience pays attention to the means used to reach the intended goal.   

Whenever I am tempted to do things my way, I would be wise to pay attention to both the method as well as the outcome.

My Own Understanding

As a military wife, I came to the conclusion long ago that I would have struggled as a soldier.  There are many times when my husband was ordered to do things that simply did not make sense to me.  I could have come up with a dozen reasons why I would not obey, but my husband dutifully complied, trusting in his chain of command.  

In order to be able to follow orders, a soldier must believe that his commanders have a reason for issuing a certain piece of instruction, even if that reason is not understood or even comprehended.  This is where I struggle.  

I think that it is important for me to understand why I am doing things.  If, for instance, I am asked to dig a hole, I want to know if I'm planting a tree, making a well, or preparing for a burial.  To my mind, it makes a difference.

This kind of desire gets me in trouble when it comes to the Lord.  His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts exist in the stratosphere while mine are down in the weeds.  (Isaiah 55:8-9) Therefore, I cannot assume to be able understand why God is asking me to wait, expecting me to love those who hurt me, or humble myself to the point of a servant.  In my mind, it may make more sense if I got what I needed now, if I dished out what was given to me, or if I stood up for my rights.  Instead of doing what makes sense to me, however, I must trust God enough to believe He has a plan of which I know nothing.

Moses made the mistake of not holding God up before the people of Israel as One who is holy and whose ways are too profound to comprehend. (Numbers 20:12)  He did not demonstrate how to obey God implicitly without question.  Instead, he showed his people that God didn't always know what He was doing and that sometimes one needed to kick things up a notch.  It's no wonder that God took away the privilege for Moses to enter into the promised land.  I had better pay attention to the lesson found in Moses' error.

Whenever I am tempted to only obey when I agree or understand, I would be wise to submit to God's unfathomable ways.

I can say that I trust God all day long, but until I prove it by giving Him all the credit for the good in my life, choosing His way over mine, and obeying Him even if I don't understand what He is doing, my faith is not real.  This day, then, I want to take the lesson of Moses to heart and trust God enough to obey Him wholeheartedly.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can prove my faith in God by how seriously I take His commands.

When do I insist on knowing all the details before I'll commit to God's calling?

How do I try to take credit for the good God has given to me?  

As the Lord Commanded

"Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him."

Exodus 40:16

When my four daughters were growing up, there was one in particular who was very compliant. Whatever I asked her to do, she would jump into action and obey.  As a result, it was a big temptation for me to pile more responsibilities on her shoulders since I knew I could count on her.  I did not, however, want to burden her with more chores and tasks than her sisters were required to do, almost punishing her for possessing a submissive attitude.

Moses developed this kind of an attitude toward the Lord.  He paid attention to detail and took seriously every instruction that came from the mouth of God.  As a result, God made sure to emphasize his obedience when recording this pivotal time when the Tabernacle was first set up.  

While it is easy to see that Moses obeyed God down to the smallest detail, he did not start off that way.  Remember that time at the burning bush?  He was anything but compliant.  In fact, I would say he was reluctant at the least, but bordering on defiant. (Exodus 3-4)  By the time Moses came around and began his journey to Egypt in obedience, God was still ready to end his life for failing to circumcise one of his sons as the Lord had commanded him to do.  (Exodus 4:24-26)

As Moses began to see God work through Him, though, performing mighty signs and wonders, his faith grew.  He learned to trust the Lord until he got to the point where he was able to take God at His word.  Let's see how he went from one extreme to the other.

Baby Steps

"Let's start at the very beginning; a very good place to start.  When we read we begin with A, B, C; when we sing we begin with do, re, mi."  

The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies of all time.  I especially enjoy this song where the main character, Maria, teaches her charges, seven rambunctious children of a Captain of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, to sing.  As they frolic around Salzburg, Maria educates them in the basics of music.

Similarly, if I want to have great faith, I must start small.  Jesus told a parable found in Luke 16 that illustrates His desire for me to be wise in my dealings and prove myself a good steward by carefully looking after every blessing He has placed in my hands, working to get the most out of the little I have. (Luke 16:1-15)  Jesus concluded that, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much." (v 10)  

Therefore, if I want to be trusted with bigger responsibilities, I must show my ability to trust God in the elementary tasks. (Luke 16:10) When I am faithful to study God's Word, for instance, learning more about Him and His ways each and every day, I may be given the opportunity to teach another believer.  Once I prove myself faithful to stay close to the Lord in this undertaking, I may be given the opportunity to lead a class.  If God placed big dreams on my heart, I must realize that He will bring that vision into reality once I get good at obeying the basic callings.

Trusting God begins with baby steps.

Humbled

When Moses first stood at the burning bush, he had a hard time getting over himself.  Every time God reassured his fears, Moses would come up with another excuse as to why he couldn't do what God was calling him to do.  Moses was still at the point in his relationship with God that he thought the success or failure of this mission God was placing before him relied upon his own power, authority and abilities.

As Moses began to witness the hand of the mighty God, he came to the realization that everything relied upon the Lord and His power, authority and abilities while nothing depended upon him.  This is the point I must reach if I want to be used by God.  I must become less, and the Lord become more.

It is then that I can walk forward in confidence, knowing without a doubt that my God will supply all my needs, equipping me with all that is necessary to complete the task at hand. (Philippians 4:19)  My success or failure does not rely on me and my skills, capabilities or talents.  Rather, it completely depends upon the Lord and His endless supply of resources, His eternal spring of love, and His continuous flow of grace and mercy.  (Psalm 50:10, Ephesians 3:16-19, Lamentations 3:22-23, 2 Corinthians 12:9)

In order to fully trust God I must become less so He can become greater in me.

Willing

Our family has two lab-mix dogs.  The older one possesses an obedient spirit, while the younger would rather do his own thing.  On the rare occasion that they get loose in our yard, I can simply call the obedient dog and he will immediately trot toward me.  The willful dog, however, is another story.  When I call his name, I can see the struggle going on inside of him.  He looks toward the neighbor's yard, tempted to go explore, then glances back toward me, as if he's wondering if he should take the risk and run.  Once I offer him a treat, however, the naughty boy comes running to claim his prize.

I am not so different from my younger dog when it comes to God.  I want to obey, but there is always something that lures me away from doing His bid.  Sometimes it's doubt:  Can I really do what He's asking me to do?  Other times it's fear:  What if I do this but end up looking like a fool, or falling on my face?  Then there are the times when I simply don't want to obey.  That's not really something that sounds appealing, or it might hurt, or it could be uncomfortable.

Whatever the reason for my reluctance, the result is the same: disobedience.  Moses started out being unwilling to be used by God.  Once He got to know God better, understanding more fully His power, Moses became more and more agreeable.  The same is true with me; as I walk forward in faith, I will find God's work in my life will be in direct proportion to my willingness to be used.  

If I want to become a woman whom God can count on to obey, I will need to develop a willing spirit.

No one starts off doing everything the Lord commands.  Instead, I can expect my faith to grow as I am found faithful in the small things, humbled to the point where God can use me, and more  agreeable in my attitude.  Then I can be known as Moses was: One who does as the Lord commanded.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to take a baby step of faith.

When am I so afraid to let go of my desire to control that I block your working in my life?

How do I let my fears control me? 

The Difference

"Now it was so,

when Moses came down from Mount Sinai

(and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses' hand

when he came down from the mountain),

that Moses did not know that the skin of his face

shone while he talked with Him. . .

And when Moses had finished speaking with them,

he put a veil on his face.

But whenever Moses went in before the LORD 

to speak with Him,

he would take the veil off until he came out;

and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel

whatever he had been commanded.

And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses,

that the skin of Moses' face shone,

then Moses would put the veil on his face again,

until he went in to speak with Him."

Exodus 34:29, 33-35a  NKJV

All eyes were upon him as Moses descended the mountain.  This time, the people of Israel had stayed strong in their faith while they waited for his return.  Instead of turning to other gods, the people waited patiently.  When they saw their leader, however, there was something different about him.

"Is that Moses?  I recognize his clothing but I can't see his face."

"Ya, it looks like a lamp."

"The light is so bright!  What happened to Moses?  Is he still human?  I can't look!"

"Me either. . .I'm not sure if I even want to get any closer."

It must have been scary to see their leader transformed in such a powerful way.  After forty days up on the mountain with God, the face of Moses shone like the sun.  Spending time with the Lord changes us, too.  Even though the difference may not be noticed in such a radically obvious way as this, there is a transformation that takes place.

Peace

My family and I found notes for weeks after she left.  Brittany, our middle triplet daughter, enjoys leaving little messages throughout the house when she is gone on a trip.  When I entered the garage one morning, for instance, I found a slip of blue paper that said, "Have a good workout!"  In the refrigerator, there was another note that said, "Have a great breakfast.  I hope you're not late for church."  It took a few days for me to discover a tiny message tucked between my sheets that bid me a good night's sleep.

These notes left by Brittany help me and my family to remember her when she's not in our presence.  In a similar way, Jesus promised to leave His followers with the gift of peace.  This serenity can exist when we stay connected to Him, despite the strife of the world around us.  The spirit of calm that rules in my heart reminds me that Jesus is my Lord and everything is going to be okay, no matter how things seem.  (John 14:27)

So, when the test results come back positive and I am facing the trial of my life, the peace that floods my heart tells me I am tenderly cared for.  Or, when there seems to be no way to dig out of the mountain of debt that weighs me down, the quietness of my heart reminds me that I have a Father who knows and meets my needs.  (Matthew 6:32-33)  Or, when the loss of my loved one seems unbearable, the underlying serenity found beneath the pain gives me the message that I will get through this time of grieving.

When I spend time with the Lord and surrender all to Him, I will come away with peace that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Joy

It's not an emotion, but rather a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Satan takes pleasure in stealing it from those who follow Christ.  Sin can block this gift of God, making me feel hopeless and full of sorrow.  Joy.  It is not the same as happiness which is based on my circumstances.  Instead, joy is a state of hopefulness and delight that comes from the Lord.  Many times I ironically find its presence in the midst of suffering, proving it's supernatural source.

There is so much to take this joy away, however.  I face troubles of every kind, battle against the sin that is always present in my wretched flesh, and am threatened to be overtaken by worry.  If I want to let this evidence of God's presence in my life burst forth, it is important that I not only spend time with Him, but choose Him above everything that demands my time and attention.

Instead of letting troubles demand my attention, I can choose the joy that simmers in the background.  While it is easy to fall for the temptation to despair, I can decide to focus on the goodness of the Lord and rejoice in His love for me.  As natural as it is for me to ponder all that remains unsolved in my life, I can instead prefer to believe the God of all resources is a God in whom I can be glad.

When I spend time with the Lord and stay connected to Him, I will rejoice in all that He is no matter my circumstances.

Hope

She had given up on the boy.  It seemed he would never learn, always choosing to follow the troublemakers.  In the past, though, this mother always believed her son would one day grow out of this phase of difficulty and enter into the great plan God had for his life.  When he was permanently expelled from school that fateful day of his 18th year, however, she felt all hope slip away.

It is easy to give up when things seem so impossible.  As one who follows Christ, however, and has been brought close to God through His sacrificial blood, I have a positive expectation of what is to come.  I know I am cared for, comforted, and promised a place personally prepared for me in the presence of the One who loves me perfectly.  For these reasons, I can carry on in the face of great difficulty.

How quickly that hope can slip away, however.  Hard times come and I forget everything I know to be true, thinking I am like those who don't have a Father who cares for me intimately.  During these times it is vital that I remind myself of who I am in Christ, making my future secure. (Ephesians 2:11-13)  

Nothing that happens in the here and now can remove me from what is promised to me.  I am assured not only of an eternity of blissful worship of the One who makes me complete, but the present with Him as well as He floods my life with His ever-present love.  (Romans 8:38-39)

When I spend time with the Lord, I am reminded of the hope I have in Him.

In the same way that Moses was changed when He spent one-on-one time with the Lord, so I am transformed as well.  While the differences may not be evident to me, others will probably see a peace that doesn't make sense considering the difficulties I face, or a sense of joy that simmers below the surface, or a spirit of hope that drives me forward in faith.  These are some of the ways I reflect Christ to a world that so desperately needs His Light.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to invest time with Him each day.

How do I inadvertently miss out on all the good things that come from God because I am too busy with other things?

How can I radically change my daily schedule to intentionally make time for the God who is jealous for my time? 

Equipped to Serve

"Then the LORD said to Moses,

'See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri,

the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,

and I have filled him with the Spirit of God,

with wisdom,

with understanding,

with knowledge

and all kinds of skills-

to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,

to cut and set stones,

to work in wood,

and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Moreover,

I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak,

of the tribe of Dan, to help him.

Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers 

to make everything I have commanded you.'"

Exodus 31:1-6

"I'm not good enough."

"I don't know enough about God."

"I doubt anyone will listen to me."

"I've never been able to do anything like that before."

This is a list of the excuses Moses gave to God before the burning bush.  Despite the amazing miracles the Lord performed to reassure him, Moses remained skeptical.  His final response to God's patient encouragement was, "Send someone else."  (Exodus 3-4:17)

Even though I've read this account of the calling of Moses dozens of times, it never ceases to strike a familiar chord within me.  I can relate to Moses on so many levels!  It's easy to consider the signs and wonders God performed in his midst and ask, What's wrong with this guy?  Why is he so insecure?  

If I put myself in his shoes, however, and switch the command from going to visit Pharaoh in Egypt with speaking to a large group, leaving my family to live in a faraway mission field, or starting a new ministry or business, I suddenly empathize with his reluctant reaction.

God doesn't set me up for failure.  If He calls me to do something, He will give me what I need to accomplish the task He has set aside for me.  Therefore, I can live accordingly.

By Faith

The talk show host famous for inciting antagonism and fueling arguments by playing the so-called devil's advocate grilled Billy Graham in his familiar style.  Instead of getting a rise out of the famous evangelist, however, he received a response that stopped him in his tracks.  "You will never be able to reason your way to understanding; that will never work.  The 

gospel is something you have to take by faith."

God used Billy Graham to render Phil Donahue speechless.  Was it because he had studied different styles and prepared appropriate responses?  Did he possess such intuitive people skills that he was able to come up with the perfect come-back for each person?  Was he a polished debater who had spent hours practicing the art of deliberation?  

No, none of the above.  Instead, Billy Graham trusted God to provide the words each person needed to hear.  So, when he delivered the response that stopped Donahue cold, it wasn't just words he was delivering.  Instead, it was a way of life for Graham.  He had lived most of his life by faith, believing what God said simply because had God said it. 

While I tend to look at all the obstacles I see around me and question whether God can really meet all my needs like He has promised, a faith-filled response would be, "God will provide." (Matthew 6:33)  When I focus on the pain that overwhelms coupled with the depressing odds given by the medical experts, a faith-filled attitude would be, "With God nothing is impossible." (Luke 1:37)  When I sense God calling me to what seems to be out of the question considering my abilities, a faith-filled reaction would be, "Here I am; send me." (Isaiah 1:7-8)

Walking forward in faith is possible when I place more clout in God and His abilities than in me and my lack thereof.

In Action

I opened my eyes but could see nothing around me.  The darkness was so deep that it seemed to close in on me, making me feel claustrophobic.  We had lost power after a storm and the lack of light in the dead of the night was absolute.  Still, I needed to find my way to the bathroom.  Knowing the familiar route from my bed to the toilet should have been easy, but without the benefit of my vision, it was a scary thing to take each step.  I knew the floor was solid beneath my feet and the way clear of obstacles, but I still hesitated, unsure if I could make it without incident.

I depend on my vision so much that when I lose it for a time, like after that fateful storm, it is hard to function.  My ability to make it to the bathroom depended on a faith in my memory of the route as well as the integrity of the floor.  While it may have felt I would step off a precipice at any moment, I knew without a doubt that the house had not given way.  Therefore, I willed myself to move forward, believing that everything was as I had left it before going to bed.

It's the same with God.  I know much about Him from reading His Word and have seen Him work in some mighty ways as He provided exactly what I needed, protected me from harm and gave me the strength to carry on.  Still, when I'm faced with the next obstacle, need or calling, I tend to doubt, putting more clout in what I can sense than in the God who I can't see, touch or feel.

Faith is not about what goes on inside of me, but in what comes out through action.  I can talk and think about what I believe all day long, but unless I put it into practice, it isn't real.  Unless I go when God says, "Go!" or I move when God says, "Move!"  or I wait when God says, "Wait!" my faith means nothing. (James 2:14-26)

Faith without action is no faith at all.

With Confidence

His sense of self-assurance bordered on cockiness.  When the business executive walked into the room, he commanded the attention of all in attendance.  The people gathered for the presentation believed everything he said simply because he sounded so sure of himself.  I wondered how he could be so confident.

While some people seem to be born with a strong ability to believe in themselves and their abilities, others are so insecure they don't think they are able to complete even the simplest of tasks.  Most people fall somewhere in between these two extremes.  While our culture extols the virtues of developing a strong sense of self and belief in what we can do, I learn a conflicting truth in God's Word. (Philippians 3:3)

Instead of a trust in myself and belief in my own abilities driving me forward in self-assurance, I can step forward in faith based on my confidence in a powerful, sovereign God who is faithful to keep His promises. (Psalm 118:8-9)  Peter demonstrated this God-confidence when he spoke boldly before the intimidating Sanhederin, the Jewish ruling council.  

As a follower of Jesus, Peter had heard Jesus say they would do even greater things than He. (John 14:12-14)  By faith, then, Peter and John stepped out in ministry, spreading the Good News and healing people.  When the Holy Spirit gave Peter the words to defend himself against the accusations of the skeptical Jewish leaders, they were astonished by his courage and could not deny the miracle of the once lame man now standing before them.  It was obvious there was something different about this man.  (Acts 4:8-17)

I can possess the same confidence Peter exhibited if I would only believe in what God is able to accomplish through me.  When I trust Him enough to move forward in faith, I will exude a similar confidence, boldly approaching the throne of grace to receive all I need to carry out the task set before me. (Hebrews 4:16) Sometimes that is to endure hardship, other times it is to speak with power, or even to accomplish an overwhelming mission.  Whatever I am called to do, I can move forward with the assurance of one who is thoroughly equipped through God's indwelling Spirit. (Ephesians 3:20)

When I walk by faith I will move with confidence in the One who equips me for every good work that He has called me to do.  (Ephesians 2:10)

God gives each of us a mission but He doesn't leave us to our own devices.  Instead, He provides everything we need to accomplish the task at hand.  Therefore, I can walk forward with the belief that He will supply, proving that my faith is real and giving me a confidence not in myself, but in the One who is the source of all good things.  There is no doubt that God can be trusted as my Provider, but I will only discover this truth if I step blindly forward, before I see any evidence of this provision.  It is then that I will see how I am equipped to serve.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to obey His calling on my life.  

When do I let my own insecurities hold me back?

How can I keep my eyes on the power of God instead of my own lack of abilities?       

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?