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? 

Wise Dealings

"Pharaoh will summon you and say,

'What is your occupation?'

Tell him,

'Your servants have taken care of cattle from our youth until now, both we and our fathers,'

so that you may live in the land of Goshen,

for everyone who takes care of sheep

is disgusting to the Egyptians."

Genesis 46:33-34 NET

I didn't know what to expect as my husband and I walked into the courthouse for a bond hearing regarding my brother-in-law's murder case.  Thankfully, the assistant District Attorney met with members of the family before the proceedings, taking the time to carefully explain the details of the hearing, what was expected of us as well as what we could anticipate to happen once we entered the courtroom.  As we later filed in and took our seats on the hard pew-like benches, each of us were prepared for what was to come.

When faced with an unknown situation in unfamiliar surroundings, it is good to be briefed on the protocol, traditions and expectations of the host, especially when facing a powerful entity like a judge in a court of law, or a king in a foreign country.  Therefore, when someone gives guidance as to how best to approach the unfamiliar, I am wise to heed their advice.

Unknown

My daughter and I sat at the Bengali woman's kitchen table, listening intently as she explained her religious beliefs.  We enjoyed our time together when suddenly she rose and said, "I would like for you to join us for lunch.  Come!  Fix a plate!"  I looked at my daughter, hesitating to take her up on this offer, knowing that our time to depart was fast approaching.  Assuming that rejecting my host's gracious offer might offend, we enthusiastically rose to join in the meal.  

As we ate and visited, I made sure to finish all my food, not wanting to cause offense.  Frustratingly, my new friend kept offering more and more food.  I thought, I'm going to burst at the seams!  Finally, this genial woman said, "I'm sorry.  We must get going or my children will be late for their class."  My daughter and I immediately thanked our hostess profusely and went on our way.  We couldn't help but be a little confused.  If she was running late, why did she insist we eat with her?  And why did she keep forcing food on us?

Later, I shared this bewildering experience with a friend who had spent some time in Bangladesh as a missionary.  She explained that offering for us to join in the meal was the custom in her country and it was expected that I decline, knowing that she was limited on time.  It is also the practice of their culture to signal a host a desire for more food by cleaning your plate.  Leaving a little left means you are full and do not want a second helping.

I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed at this breach of protocol, but my daughter and I were completely clueless.  In a similar way, there are times when I may enter into the unknown where certain prejudices exist, or there are practices of which I know nothing about.  In these cases, I would be wise to seek counsel before conducting business, seeking friendship or spreading the gospel.   I may end up doing more damage than good if I go into it blind.

If God is to be glorified in everything I do, I would be wise to learn the unknown ways of the people I seek to serve.

Traditions

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I found the ways of the southern part of the U.S. to be strange and confusing.  People used different terms like, "soda" instead of "pop" to describe a sweet, carbonated beverage.  I often was told to "mash" the button instead of "pushing" it or invited to "supper" instead of "dinner."  While these were just examples of a local vernacular, I did have to be careful not to carry an attitude of superiority since I sometimes thought the language to be a little inferior to the "proper" way of speaking we used up north.  After all, I would think, what does it mean to "mash"?

Once I know the traditions and ways of a culture, whether it be across the seas or in a neighboring community, I will find success when I respect their norms.  This must have been the attitude the Apostle Paul addressed when sending correspondence to the believers in Rome.  He said, "For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him." (Romans 10:12 NET)

No matter how small my prejudices may be, others will most likely be able to detect my feelings.  Therefore, it is important that I deal with any prideful feelings I have regarding my heritage, background or education, nailing them onto the cross so God's merciful love can freely flow through me to all people, regardless of their ways.

If God is to be glorified in everything I do, I would be wise to humble myself at the foot of the cross where the ground is perfectly level.

Favor

When Jacob and his sons presented themselves before Pharaoh, they did as Joseph had instructed them to do.  After they said the prescribed words, the leader of Egypt appointed the clan to the best land and even offered a position tending the royal flocks to any of the men who desired such an occupation. (Genesis 47:1-6) God used their wise dealings with the king to grant the family royal favor.

In the same way, the Lord can use me to win over even the hardest heart simply in the way I show wisdom in my dealings with them.  If a relative expects all guests to view her extensive collection of tea cups when coming to visit, her heart would be more open to hearing about the love the Lord has for her if I willingly comply.

Other times I may be faced with an unreasonable expectation of a difficult neighbor who stubbornly insists walkers avoid the parking strip at her corner when crossing the street.  Instead of fighting her unrealistic logic, I could gain a better witness for Christ if I quietly observe her wishes.

There might even be a time when I am confronted with the dilemma of how to interact with a mean-spirited acquaintance.  Instead of dishing out the same sour attitude she serves up, I can let God's unconditional love cover over her shortcomings.  (1 Peter 4:8)

If God is to be glorified in everything I do, I would be wise to let God use me to love others by winning their favor by respecting their ways.

It is not easy to enter into an unknown situation.  When doing so, I need all the assistance I can get.  Therefore, I am wise to heed the advice of anyone who can help me negotiate the ways of the people I serve, to understand and respect their traditions and to win their favor in my consideration of their culture, beliefs or expectations.  In these ways I will glorify God in my wise dealings.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to the Lord's leading when dealing with others.

How do I unknowingly bring disgrace upon the name of the Lord when I disregard another's cultural traditions?

When do I think of my culture as superior to another's?