Tuesday, February 05, 2008

• TRUSTING GOD

  As I've been reading from Exodus, over and over again I see God teaching the children of Israel lessons in trusting Him -- no matter what. Just one of the examples that stood out to me as I have journaled, I am noting below using the NLT text, (underlining to emphasize what God did, & why).  Exodus 13:17-18, 21-22 ~ When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.. How well our Lord knows us, and how merciful He is! For He knew the need of assurance that was needed to see that He Himself was leading them into this difficult path. But soon the people were worried and upset, because they were backed up against the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's armies  giving chase to them. They complained to Moses, and he told them, 14:13-14 ~ "Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Easier said than done, right? In fact, right after Moses said that, God told Moses to follow those words with some action, and HE gave Moses (& the people) instructions - evidence of the trust that they were placing in the LORD. 14:15-21 ~ Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? {time for action} Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea . . . And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops . . . all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!" Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the . . . camps . . . As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. Here comes a tough test of their trusting the LORD! For now, the visible presence of God has moved behind the people for the first time. Yet, God had a perfect plan in mind  -- He was still protecting and saving His children in a way that they could not even imagine. He not only opened up the way through the sea to get them all safely across the river, but He confused the Egyptians, sabotaged their chariots, & closed up the sea upon them. 14:30-31 ~ That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day . . . When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses. What follows is a prayer song of dedication to God, & to following His leading in my life. ~ PRAYER FOCUS ~ Please pray for all Christians living in Muslim countries. Many of them are facing lethal persecution. Please pray that all Muslim countries would be opened up to the Gospel. Pray for the salvation of all Muslims. Also, please pray that God will rebuke and bind the spiritual forces of evil behind Islam. [The above requests were taken from this website. To learn more, please go to the link. Thank you.]   TRIPLES with EMMA

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