Know the Lord

"Pharaoh said,

'Who is the LORD,

that I should obey him and let Israel go?

I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.'"

Exodus 5:2

The moment they came to look at the house, I was intrigued.  They were a homeschool family with five children, all under the age of eight.  The youngest two were twins and the parents were followers of Jesus Christ.  I hoped the owner of the house next door would approve them for a lease.

I didn't know this family, but I knew God and His indwelling Spirit drew me to them.  Sure enough, we soon were doing Bible studies together, sharing meals and helping each other out in any way we could.

This is what the family of God looks like.  We as believers are drawn toward each other and are filled with a desire to serve one another, caring for each other with the love of God that courses through our veins. (John 13:35) 

For those outside the body of Christ, however, there is a different story to tell.  Without the bond of Jesus to band us together, people mostly look out for their own interests.  Sure, there is sometimes a guilt-bound effort to build relationships, but it is usually out of obligation, self-interest or tradition, not out of love.

The more I get to know the Lord, the more I sense His Spirit within me to guide, transform and empower me to love those around me.  One of those new-found character traits in my life is a hunger for scripture.  When I didn't know Him personally, God's Word didn't mean much to me.  It seemed wise and helpful, but not life-giving and precious as it does now.

If I want to more faithfully worship and obey the Lord, it is necessary for me to grow in my relationship with Him, getting to know Him more and more each day.

Submit

My dog Strider is a stubborn Pit Bull-Chocolate Lab mix.  He is one of the cutest canines I've ever seen, but he definitely has a mind of his own.  When it's time for me to turn in at night, I'll give the command, "Go to bed."  He will look at me from his lounging position with a look that says, "Make me."  Sometimes he even growls.  If I stand my ground, however, he will give in but not without a lot of prodding on my part.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I came to him one night with the usual order and he willingly obeyed the first time I gave the command!  It was so nice for him to finally submit to my leadership and it made bedtime a much more enjoyable time.  He finally trusted me enough to do as I asked.

God wants my submission as well.  When I willingly obey instead of fighting Him every step of the way, I can fall into sync with Him.  My life is filled with peace as I learn more of His ways, experience the strength of His power, and discover His trustworthiness.

When I submit to the Lord, I am telling Him that I trust Him enough to put all my eggs in His basket, believing that His way is best.  I am also giving the message to Him and those who are watching that I know God enough to believe He has the best plan for my life. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Following Him will lead me toward a full and abundant life.  (Isaiah 58:11)

When I submit to the Lord, I demonstrate my faith in Him and provide a gateway for greater understanding of His nature.

No Back-Up

The drone of the C-130's could be heard clearly in the crisp night air.  I gazed up at the darkened sky, marveling at the beauty of the constellations.  Lord, you made all of this splendor for our enjoyment.  You placed each star in place, so I know I can trust you to take care of my husband.  Please keep Him safe as he goes out on this mission.

My husband spent much of his single years jumping out of airplanes as a paratrooper for the U.S. Army.  Until we moved to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina during our 8th year of marriage, however, he didn't see much action.  I was not accustomed to him going out on night jumps, giving me plenty of time to worry whether or not he'd come back again.

While he successfully completed every one of his nearly 90 operations, he never went without a back-up chute.  In case the main parachute fails, paratroopers are required to carry a secondary one.  

Whereas it is smart to have a reserve when jumping out of a plane, God desires that I trust Him fully, without retaining a "Plan B."  When I place all my faith in Him, believing that His plan will prevail, I will start to grow exponentially closer to Him.  When I instead think about what I'll do in case God doesn't come through or I don't like His way, I'm betraying my lack of faith.  

Knowing God for myself gives me the tools I need to place myself in His hands without holding back.  Learning that He will never leave me nor forsake me gives me the confidence to let go of my own ideas and let Him have His way. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Finding out that His plan is a good one that will benefit me while supplying peace and hope for the future gives me the assurance of His reliability. (Jeremiah 29:11) Coming to know the God who will never fail to supply all my needs gives me the faith I need to trust Him without reserve. (Philippians 4:19)

When I submit to the Lord without relying on a back-up, I prove to God that I know Him enough to trust Him fully, and my understanding of His ways will grow even more.

Invest Time

I thought I knew my friend from church, but until we spend time together, I only knew what I saw on Sundays, during planned activities and at social events.  It wasn't until we organized a yard sale together, however, that we truly began to grow closer in our friendship.  There is something about spending time in the nitty-gritty trenches of life that builds a bond between people.

It's no different between me and God.  I can easily keep Him at arms-length, only inviting Him in when I feel presentable and put together.  If I take a risk, however, and let Him come close when I'm in the middle of the mundane details of my life, or when I am experiencing the consequences of some bad choices, or especially when I'm feeling bad about myself, I'll grow closer to Him as I discover His unconditional love.

It is also easy to only touch the surface of my knowledge of the Lord, spending only the minimum time possible in His Word.  When I don't give enough effort, thought and attention to the scriptures, my relationship with Him will stay distant.  If, however, I take a risk and invest time in the studying of His Word, my bond to Him will grow as a result.

When I make an effort to include God in the ordinary details of my life as well as devoting myself to His Word, I will find my relationship with Him will grow stronger as I get to know Him better.

I may think I know the Lord, but until I let Him lead in every aspect of my life, put all my faith in Him, and love Him enough to invest time with Him, I'll never know Him as intimately as He wants.  Therefore, it's vital to the growth of my relationship with my heavenly Father that I make every effort to know Him more each day.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God fully, without reservation.

What do I keep in reserve just in case I don't see God providing, at least in the timeframe I desire?

When do I invest in my physical fitness but neglect my spiritual fitness?   

Who is Jesus?

"Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem.

It was winter,

and Jesus was in the temple courts

walking in Solomon's Colonnade.

The Jews who were there gathered around him,

saying, 'How long will you keep us in suspense?

If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.'

Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe.

The works I do in my Father's name testify about me,

but you do not believe because you are not by sheep.

My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.'"

John 10:22-27

"The wisest man who ever lived."

"A good, caring, compassionate human."

"A teacher whose lessons still apply even today."

"My friend in Puerto Rico."

"A white guy with a beard."

"A story made up by someone."

"A man with good morals and beliefs and possibly some special gifts."

"A kind of Ghandi-type guy."

"My Lord and Savior."

These are some of the responses of people walking the streets of New York City who were asked, "Who is Jesus?"  Most people agree there is something special about Him, but only those who follow Jesus Christ truly know His identity.  

Rightful Shepherd

In this age of technology, modern-day man has more access than ever before to information.  There are many voices calling out, claiming outrageous declarations of salvation, healing and fulfillment if only I would follow them.  I hear how I can have it all, reach the highest goal, and find true happiness; all by doing what they say.  The messages are alluring and appealing to my sin nature.  I'm easily enticed by their self-centered tilt.  Soon, I'm following someone I don't even know because I like what I hear and want to believe it to be true.

Jesus, however, is the only One who belongs at the head of my life, leading me through the labyrinth of trials I routinely encounter.  He is my rightful Shepherd. (John 10:1-6) While many may claim to have a better way, Jesus is the only Way for me to get to the Father and the sole source of a deep and meaningful life.  (John 14:6, John 10:10)

When Jesus leads me down the dark path of the unknown, then, I need not fear because He is with me.  Just as a shepherd brings his wayward animals back in line and defends them against harm with his rod, or calms his nervous sheep, drawing them close to himself with the touch of his staff, so Jesus protects and comforts me during these times. (Psalm 23:4)

During the desert times, when I cease to feel His comforting presence, I can go forward in faith as I recall and cling to the truth He has been faithful to teach to me.  When all seems lost and I don't know if I can carry on, I can listen to His still, quiet voice as He brings comfort to my heart.

Jesus Christ is my rightful Shepherd and His is the only Voice to which I need listen.

Gate

One of my favorite series of books as a child was the Laura Ingalls Wilder autobiographical Little House set.  In one of these classics, "Little House on the Prairie,"  Laura's father was building their new log cabin on the prairies of Oklahoma.  After the walls and the roof had been completed, they had the frightening experience of a nighttime visit by a pack of wolves who surrounded their house in the eerie moonlight.  While the walls were stout and strong, the only door was a flimsy quilt hanging in an opening in the wall.

Pa stood guard all night, keeping an eye on those predators through the window holes while their trusty dog Jack paced back and forth before the doorway.  Laura was able to sleep soundly because she knew her father and canine companion would keep those wolves at bay.

It is very similar with Jesus.  He is the One who saves me from the certain death my sins deserve as well as provides the only way for me to enter into His everlasting kingdom. (John 10:7-10) In the same way that Laura felt at peace when she knew her "Pa" was acting as the door, so I can rest in the knowledge that Jesus is the Gate for His kingdom sheep pen.  It is only through Him that I will find an eternally abundant life, beginning the moment I enter in.

Jesus Christ is the Gate and I can trust Him as both my Lord and Savior.

Good Shepherd

It is difficult to find someone to take care of my home and animals while I'm away on vacation.  While I can always hire a service or pay a neighbor youth to do the job, I never know if they will pay attention to my detailed instructions.  There is always the fear that they will only do the minimum and not care about the things that are important to me.  I do have a good friend, however, who I always know I can trust.  I know this because I've seen how much she truly cares about me.

It's the same with Jesus.  He loves me enough to lay down His life in order to save me. (John 10:11-18) He cares enough about me that He would leave all the other sheep in order to find me when I go astray. (Matthew 18:12-14)  He is concerned enough about my life that He never ceases His pursuit of me and desires nothing more than for me to find fulfillment within His fold. (John 17:20-26)

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who loves enough to give His life as a ransom and to never give up on His sheep.

Jesus is many things to many people, but to those who follow Him, His identity is clear.  He is the One Voice to whom I listen, the only Gate through which I enter, and the Good Shepherd who truly cares.  This is who Jesus is to me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the true identity of Jesus.

When do I forget He is the only One to whom I should listen?

How do I get sucked into false teachings because they say what I want to hear? 

Different Goal

"And the LORD told Moses,

'When you arrive back in Egypt,

go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles

I have empowered you to do.

But I will harden his heart 

so he will refuse to let the people go.'"

Exodus 4:21 NLT

The door to the vacant house stood wide open as if God were inviting us in to take a look.  Suddenly, I found myself parking the car and climbing out.  "C'mon, let's go explore!" I said to my daughters.  There were many new homes offered up for sale in the new community in which I lived and this particular one had been on the market for at least a year.

As my daughters and I toured the house, we prayed together, asking God's guidance and wisdom.  We all agreed that God had brought us to this home for a reason.  Each of us had a sense that He would use this home for His glory.  We assumed He brought it to our attention for use in our growing afterschool program ministry and we shared our dreams for how the house could be used.

We often prayed at the house, shared our vision with a few close friends.  I also took my Realtor friend with me as we sought to purchase, taking time to pray throughout the home.  As I waited on the Lord, a received a call one day from the agent in the model home.  "Mrs. Boose, we have a family interested in purchasing that house.  I wanted to let you know in case you wanted to make an offer."

Since we didn't have the funds in our non-profit organization to make a move, I declined.  As I watched the family move in, I was confused by God's actions and I told Him so.  Why did you lead us on like that?  Why did you have us pray so often on that property if You weren't going to give us that house?  What is Your purpose here?  I just don't get it.

And maybe that's the point.  God's ways are much higher than mine so I can't expect to comprehend what He's doing. (Isaiah 55:8-9) In the above example, I assumed He was moving in one direction, when in reality His purpose was much different.  I later met the family who moved into "our house" and discovered their deep faith in Christ and their ministry to children and families.  While I thought we were praying for how God would use that home in the service with which my family was involved, we were really praying for another family.

Sometimes God gives me a task, mission or job to perform.  Other times He opens a tiny window of understanding.  While it may seem like the purpose is obvious, God may have an altogether different goal.

Reveal His Power

If Moses had a choice, he probably would have picked a more straight-forward path of deliverance.  Instead of enduring all the appeals to Pharaoh followed by plague after plague, he may have thought it would be better if God simply softened the king's heart toward his plea and quickly and efficiently let His people go.  Then they could get on with their lives instead of going through such an ordeal.

Instead, God had a plan to use the Pharaoh's stubbornness as a way to showcase His power. (Exodus 9:16)  No one in Egypt would ever know how strong and mighty is the Lord unless they could see Him at work.  As each plague progressed and the magicians could no longer mimic what God was doing, all the people knew He was a force to be reckoned with. (Exodus 8:18)

God has not changed since the time of Moses. (James 1:17) He is still the same God who sometimes chooses to reveal His power by putting off rescue.  Perhaps my body is wracked with pain and relief seems so far off.  I can trust God to use this time to show me and others who are watching the kind of quiet strength that comes from Him.

Maybe I've been waiting for God's deliverance out of a time of financial hardship.  While I struggle to make ends meet, God is showing all involved His faithful provision in times of need.

It's possible that I could be tired of waiting for the Lord to draw my loved one to Jesus.  (John 6:44)  As I watch the pain and suffering endured by those around, I can choose to believe that God has a mighty show of His power in store for all who are watching when this lost sheep finally enters the fold.

The only way we can realize how big God is, is to see Him at work.

Further His Plan

She received the call delivering the devastating news at ten minutes before midnight.  "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but the kidney transplant surgery has been cancelled.  The donor developed an anti-body against your blood so you are no longer a match."

Up until that point, the donation process had gone smoothly on both ends, confirming this was a part of God's master plan.  As she received the news, the woman lashed out at God.  "Why would you withhold that good thing?  The recipient is used to being disappointed, why would You also let him down?  How will he ever trust You if You don't provide for His needs?"  She was angry at this perceived injustice.

Fortunately for all, God is in control. Flashing forward a few months, these friends have now entered into a kidney exchange program where a non-matching donor's organ can be linked to another recipient through a nation-wide network.  As their information was made available to the program, a match was almost immediately made and 30 people were miraculously able to be connected to a donor.

Before this woman's kidney was offered, many of them had little to no chance of finding a donor.  God, however, had a bigger plan than to simply provide one man with a kidney.  Instead, the first cancelled surgery was only a little piece in a much grander puzzle;  a tiny link in a long chain of blessing.

When I am tempted to be angry at God for doing things that don't make sense to me, I can trust Him that He has a better plan than I could ever imagine.  Faith is necessary for me to believe that He will bring about something better.  

So when the rejection letter comes, I can trust that God sees something I don't see.    Or when one tragedy seems to come right after another, I can either give up or believe that God is using this time of suffering to paint a beautiful masterpiece.  Or when everyone around seems to be fighting against me, I can know without a doubt that God's plan may not include a life of popularity but His goal for me is better than what I could dream up.

Disappointments may just be God's way of furthering His mysterious plan.

Showcase His Glory

The waters rose up around them like a mighty wall.  Instead of finding their death at the bottom of the Red Sea, the Israelites were walking to their salvation on the bed of the dried up tributary.  (Exodus 14:15-31)

Sometimes God has a way of showing off.  When He does something miraculous, there is no one to praise except Him.  When the fracture in the boy's spine shows signs of healing against all the expectations of the medical personnel, God gets all the glory.  When the estranged married couple finds healing at the foot of the cross, God gets all the glory.  When the severely abused boy suddenly talks for the first time, God gets all the glory.

There are some things that simply cannot be explained away.  While we live in an age of scientific reason where we try to comprehend the mechanism behind every action, there are some things that cannot be understood.  For these miracles, God receives all the glory for the great things He has done.

When God works in a way that is unexpected to all, His name is to be praised.

I may think I get what God is doing in a certain situation, but I'd better tread lightly.  Only God knows the plan and most of the time, His goal is different from mine.  Sometimes He chooses an outcome that will reveal His power, other times He is simply furthering a grander plan,  and at times He could decide He wants to showcase His glory.  Whatever the purpose, it belongs to God and not me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God in what He is doing.

When do I jump to conclusions when I see the circumstances of my life?

How do I run after one outcome without letting God choose His best for me?   

  

He Has an App For That!

"Now go,

for I am sending you to Pharaoh.

You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt."

Exodus 3:10 NLT

"There's an app for that."

Remember Apple's popular catchphrase that set the world on fire?  They were promoting their iPhone in 2009 when this memorable advertising campaign first hit the airwaves.  The idea was that any need or issue a user had could be solved or fulfilled with one of their nifty software applications.

While a computer company is stretching it a bit in making the claim that they can answer any question or satisfy any thirst, but God can easily declare that truth.  No matter what He calls me to, He always has a comeback for any excuse I can make.

Identity Crisis

"Who am I?"  Moses asked.  "I'm not cut out for a job like this!  I'm not a leader!  I can't do what you're asking!" (paraphrased from Exodus 3:11)

Can you relate?  When God gently introduces an idea into my mind, I often balk at the very thought.  I try to picture myself doing what He has suggested and I just can't see it.  Instead, I remember all the times I've failed in the past or I think of all the people who would be better suited or I rely on my own lenses through which to see myself.

God, however, calls me not because I am well-suited or completely prepared.  He knows perfectly well that I can't do what He has asked of me.  What He wants to know is if I know it.  He wants me to get to the point where I say to Him, "I know I am completely unable to accomplish this task, but I know who You are, and I have complete faith that You can achieve this mission through me.  I trust You enough to accept this calling."

The answer to the question "Who am I?" is this:  "I am a sinner saved by grace so even though I can't, I choose to believe that God can."

Knowledge Deficit

"I don't know enough about You and Your ways.  What if the people ask a question I can't answer?"  (paraphrased from v 11-12)  It seems Moses was picturing himself standing before the people of Israel, telling them of God's plan when all they could do is protest.  He could hear the voices of dissent, asking him all sorts of questions to which he had no answers.

I can relate.  It seems I often use this excuse to reject God's calling on my life.  Teach Sunday School?  Lead a Bible study?  Write a blog?  I don't have all the answers.  In fact, I don't know much at all.  What if I fail?

What I must always remember is that God can't fail!  If I take a look at Isaiah 55:10-11, I am reassured that God always accomplishes what He wants to with His Word.  It never returns empty but always produces fruit.  Therefore, if I am faithful to read His Word, use it to encourage, apply it and talk about it wherever I go, God will make sure it brings forth a harvest.

The answer to the question, "What if I fail?" is this: "I may not know enough, but my success or failure is not dependent upon my readiness but on God's faithfulness."

Credibility Issues

"What if they don't believe me?  What if they think I'm making the whole thing up?  What if I turn to go and no one follows?" (Exodus 4:1-9)

As one who has worked with youth, I can truly relate to this fear.  There are many times when I am speaking and it seems no one is listening.  Or I am searching for an attentive countenance among a sea of deadpan looks or faces that are clearly saying, I don't care.  When is this gonna be over so I can get on with my life?

Teenagers can be a tough crowd, but what I have to remember is this:  If God calls me to deliver a certain message, I can be confident that His power will draw those people who need to hear what I have to say.  

So when I'm afraid to talk to my coworker because we have never really gotten along, I can remember that the favor of the Lord will be upon me and will incline her heart toward the message she needs so desperately.  Or when I fear rejection as I answer God's call to reach out to the homeless, I can be sure that He'll open the ears of those who were meant to hear.  Or when I answer His summons to enter into prison ministry but I'm afraid no one will listen to me because I come from a different background, I can walk forward in confidence knowing that the favor of the One who is in me will make the words I say strike a chord with someone.

The answer to the question,"What if no one listens?" is this: The power of God will prepare the hearts of those who need the message.

Matters of Insecurity

"Okay, let's get real.  You know full well that I've never been good at speaking.  I can hear what You're saying, but if I try to do what You are proposing, the words will never get out.  My tongue will get tied and I'll end up looking like a fool as I stand there with my mouth open."  (paraphrased from Exodus 4:10-12)

Everyone has insecurities and Moses was no exception.  He was like most humans and held a deep fear of speaking in public.  In fact, it sounds like he suffered from some kind of speech impediment.  The task God had asked Him to accomplish was probably a manifestation of his worst nightmare come true.

Many times God does call us to face our deepest fears.  He doesn't want us to hold anything back from Him and often He helps us get over these insecurities by calling us on the very thing we dread the most.  

It could be I say I would never go somewhere that had creepy crawlies but then He calls me to the mission field of a remote, underdeveloped country that is known for its wide array of insects.  Or maybe I think I could never get over my fear of heights.  Then I am suddenly offered a job on the top floor of a skyscraper and given an office covered in windows.  Or I may tell myself I could never in a million years get over the panic that seizes my heart at the thought of living alone.  Before I know it, I find God placing me in a solitary existence.

There is nothing that is impossible with God.  Therefore, the only thing holding me back is my own doubt in what God can do with His own creation.  

The answer to the excuse, "I'm afraid," is this:  All responsibility for accomplishing the task before me lies in the hands of God.

Whatever I can dish out, God can take it.  When I forget who I am, He reminds me it is not my identity I must focus on, but His.  When I think success or failure depends on me, He reminds me it is a question of His faithfulness and it is impossible for Him to fail.  When I'm afraid no one will listen, He reminds me it is His job to open the hearts of those who need to hear.  And when I doubt that I can do what God has called me to, He reminds me that all responsibility lies on His shoulders.  No matter what my excuse, God has an app for that!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to take Him at His word.

When do I falsely think the success of a mission lies in my hands?

How am I forgetting the power of God in the way I respond to His calling on my life?

Exile

"And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened,

and he tried to kill Moses.

But Moses fled from Pharaoh 

and went to live in the land of Midian.

When Moses arrived in Midian,

he sat down beside a well. . .

Moses accepted the invitation,

and settle there with him.  In time, Reuel gave Moses his daughter Zipporah to be his wife.

Later she gave birth to a son,

and Moses named him Gershom,

for he explained,

'I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.'"

Exodus 2:15,21-22 NLT

He ran back to the place where he felt safe, far away from the voices telling him to take responsibility for his family.  When he was in this self-imposed exile, the feelings of guilt and failure faded into the background of his consciousness and he was able to feel some semblance of pride in himself.  While he knew deep down this was not where he belonged, he stayed there anyway; it was simply more comfortable.

While this man was running away from his duty as husband and father, God was using the time to put His greater purpose into motion.  Our friend may have thought he was simply escaping from the place where he felt so much pressure or even protecting himself from further hurt and failure.  In the grander scheme of things, however, there was much more to it.

You see, as this husband and father was running, God was busy lining up a job and opening up an affordable home where he could provide for his family in the way the Lord intended for him to do.  His time away seemed only like an escape to him, but to God it was an opportunity to bring about His greater purpose.

It is the same with me.  God can use the times I drag my feet, fail to obey Him, or go in the complete opposite direction for His glory.  He takes my failures, unwillingness and insecurities and turns them into beauty. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Humbling

It took forty years.  His pride was such a problem that God needed four decades to chip away enough of his own self before Moses would be at the point where God could consider using him.  Growing up in a culture where self is exalted, it took a lot to rid the man who was raised in Pharaoh's household of his own sense of independence, self-importance, and desire to be served.  Therefore, God used his self-imposed exile as a time of humbling.

There is a lot in me that also needs to be chipped away by the chisel of God.  As He conforms me into His Son's image, He uses hard experiences, difficult people and uncomfortable circumstances to humble me to the point where He can use me.  Once there is less of me and more of Him, I am a more effective tool in His hands.

Therefore, when it seems my life is going nowhere and my time here on earth consists of one difficulty after another, I can keep in mind that God is using this time to rid me of some of my self-centered ways.  I learn how little I have to do with my success in standing firm against sin, loving others and obeying God and how much of a role submitting to God plays in any triumph or failure.  

God also uses my time of humbling to give me more of His perspective.  When I see things from His point of view, a trial is transformed into a transformative tool, a coworker who always picks on me becomes a woman who desperately needs the love of God, and a grumpy spouse is now seen as a hurting child.

My time of disobedience or desertion can be used by the Master Potter to humble me into a lump of malleable clay. (Isaiah 64:8)

Preparation

Moses spent his time in a foreign land as a lowly sheep herder, working for his father-in-law, Jethro.  While he tended the flocks, Moses most likely learned many lessons that would prepare him for his later service. (Exodus 3:1)  

In the same way, the position I now find myself may seem insignificant and without purpose, but God is most likely preparing me for what is to come.  Instead of bemoaning my present circumstances, then, I can get busy paying attention to the training I am now receiving.

Instead of thinking God is trying to torture me, I could be learning patience and tolerance as I work with those who know how to push my buttons.  When I'm faced with disappointment after disappointment, I can either feel sorry for myself or discover the value of letting go of my expectations and simply let God choose for me.  For the times when I find myself in the middle of a feud, I can take the opportunity to learn the art of mediation.

My time spent away from the life with which I'm comfortable can be used by God as a time in God's training ground for the battle that lies ahead.  (Psalm 144:1)

Leeway

He was busy raising his family, working the flocks and tending to the needs of his wife.  Little did Moses know that while he was building a new life in Midian, God was giving all the pieces time to fall into place for his masterplan.  Before the Lord could send Moses into Egypt to rescue His people, the king who had a price on his head must pass away.  Once a new Pharaoh took the throne, and the people of Israel had reached a point of desperation, the time was right for an epic rescue mission that would display the mighty power of God. (Exodus 2:23)

In a similar way, I may feel tired of waiting for something to happen in my life.  It might seem like I'm going nowhere fast.  I could even feel like God is never going to use me.  In reality, God could be waiting for all the pieces of the puzzle to be in place before He launches me out on a mission.

When I think about the complexity of God's plan, it boggles my puny mind.  Based on the small part I can perceive, I may think it is time to make a move.  God in His sovereignty, however, sees the big picture and knows which people need to be in place, which obstacles need to be removed, and which hearts need to be softened.  In this way, it is wise for me to trust God in His perfect timing.

Therefore, when I think I'm ready to launch a new company but nothing seems to be going right, it could be that God is having me wait for the market to be right before I open the doors for business.  When I am ready to answer God's call and move into the mission field but the paperwork keeps holding me up, it could be there is a serious obstacle to the spread of the gospel that first needs to be removed.  When it seems I'm never going to get to fulfill the dream God has placed on my heart, it could be that I'm not ready to handle the stresses that will surely come with it.

My time spent seemingly waiting for life to begin could be used by God as a time to move all the necessary pieces into place.

There are times when I think I'm running away from God's plan or that nothing is happening to move me forward in my walk with Him.  God, however, can use these times to humble me, prepare me, and to give enough leeway to allow everything to move into the necessary place.  In these ways, I can trust that God is at work, even when it seems nothing is happening.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even when I feel far away from Him and His plan for my life.

When do I tend to run away from God? 

How would the knowledge that I can't hide from God or His plan change my tendency to run (Psalm 139:7-12)?

God Over Man

"The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives,

whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,

'When you are helping the Hebrew women during

childbirth on the delivery stool,

if you see that the baby is a boy,

kill him;

but if it is a girl,

let her live.'

The midwives, however, feared God

and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do;

they let the boys live."

Exodus 1:15-17

She worked at the clinic for ten years.  For as long as she can remember, she has supported a woman's right to choose abortion as an option for the mother to prolong her own life, protect the unborn child from a life of struggle or to end unwed pregnancies.  As far as she is concerned, many of the problems found in society stem from unwanted children.  In her way of thinking, she is contributing to the greater good in working side-by-side with the abortion doctor.

One day, however, as they were performing the procedure, something remarkable happened.  The baby they were working on spontaneously delivered, sliding out onto the table.  As the woman took note of the newborn's healthy glow and robust cry, the doctor gave an order.  "Kill her!"  

Suddenly, all her convictions went out the window as compassion for the little one filled her heart.  In an instant she knew what she must do.  Taking the scalpel, she severed the umbilical cord, tying it off quickly with a measure of cord and scooped the child up in her arms.  "I'm taking her to the hospital."

That was the last day the aforementioned abortion worker reported to the clinic for work.  After that experience, her conscious no longer allowed her to take the lives of the innocent.  When it comes to authority, there are times when I may be faced with a similar dilemma.  Either I can do what I'm asked, or I can follow God thus defying man.  

When I trust the Lord and obey Him, I may be surprised at the outcome.

Wisdom of God

The women didn't know what to do.  The king himself summoned them into his presence.  He must have found out what we are doing!  We're doomed!  What should we do?  They frantically asked each other.  Fearing God more than Pharaoh, however, they decided to bow to his wishes and see what happens.

Unfortunately for the two women, their greatest nightmare came true.  The king was fairly bursting with outrage as he railed against them.   "Why have you done this?  Why have you let the boys live?" the ruler shrieked as the veins in his temple threatened to pop.  (Exodus 1:18)  The women were at a loss.  Perhaps this is the end, they thought.

In a moment of inspiration, the words came out of the blue.  "Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women."

"Yes, that's right. In fact, they are so vigorous that they give birth before we even arrive." (paraphrased from v 19)  The king seemed to calm down a bit when hearing their explanation.  "Let them return to their post,"  he said with a flick of his wrist.

When I trust God enough to act in such a way that honors Him despite the earthly consequences I may face, He will give me similar wisdom to explain my defiance.  My high calling is to offer myself as a living sacrifice, preferring to show respect for Him in all I do. (Romans 12:1)

That means when I'm faced with the option to do as my boss says, even though it means I'll have to lie, cheat or steal, I can stand against his wishes, know that God will give me the wisdom to know how to best handle the situation.  

As James warns me in chapter three of his letter to the Christian Jews scattered around the region, however, ". . .when you ask him (for wisdom), be sure that your faith is in God alone.  Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."  (James 1:6-8 NLT)

Putting my faith in God wholly and completely as I defy those who have the power to destroy me is vital.  Without placing my complete confidence in Him, I can't expect to find the answers I need to explain the reason behind my boldness.

When I trust in the Lord and obey Him instead of man, He will give me the words to explain my defiance.

Kindness of God

Despite the Pharaoh's best effort to suppress the growth of their numbers, the population of the Hebrew civilization exploded.  Even though he did everything within his power to control their expansion, his efforts seemed to have the opposite effect: The Israelites grew in the strength of their numbers anyway. (Exodus 1:20)

When I do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, even though I am going against those who have authority over me, I will find results that will go against my common sense and even the laws of nature.  I will find health and vigor return to my body even though the doctors all told me I'd die without the embryonic stem cell treatment.  Honoring the lives of the unborn resulted in the kindness of God showering his blessings down on me.

If I am faced with the order by the police to leave the homeless man where he lay even though he is severely injured, I will find never-before-experienced strength as I lift him into my car to transport the unconscious man to the emergency room.

If a supervisor informs me of a new government policy making proselytizing illegal in all public buildings, I will find a curious absence of security officers when I share the gospel during my lunch breaks.

When I trust in the Lord and obey Him instead of man, His kindness will result in an outcome that defies everything I've normally come to expect.

Grace of God

The women had given their lives in service to their people.  They loved their work and would never think of quitting, but they did long to have families of their own.  Due to their heavy workload, however, they had resigned themselves to the fact that they themselves would never experience the joy of birthing a child.

Once these two selfless women stood against the Pharaoh's destructive order to kill the male children, however, they suddenly found themselves being courted by eligible men.  Before they knew it, they were married and raising children of their own.  God had blessed them indeed.  (Exodus 1:21)

There are times when I will discover similar unexpected gifts when I choose God's ways over man's.  It may be good health, greater understanding of His Word, or simply a full, meaningful life.  Whatever the blessing, however, I can chalk it all up to the grace of God.

When I trust in the Lord and obey Him instead of man, His grace will shower blessings down on me as I enjoy the unexpected gifts He so freely imparts.

In a world where ethics and morals are commonly based on man's own standards, I will often be faced with the dilemma of whether to obey God or man.  When I choose God, I will find His wisdom, kindness and grace flood my life in ways I can't explain.  Taking God's side may seem risky, but if He is for me then I must remember that no one can stand against me.  (Romans 8:31)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep an eternal perspective when faced with a moral dilemma.  

How do I cave into human pressure because it seems I have no choice?

When do I place God on the back burner as I make decisions in the workplace?