This morning I was reading in Exodus. The chapters assigned were 1 – 2. Actually, that was the reading last week some time. But, because of chemo and getting the second Covid vaccine, I was not able to think or read after Tuesday morning, so I am doing some catch up.
I was struck, not for the first time, by Exodus 1:10 – 14 (here @ Bible Gateway). Some context, for a while now, I have been pondering how or why the Lord is using the past five years and specifically the cancer to equip my wife and me for that which He designed us. Reading Exodus 1:10 – 14 (here @ Bible Gateway), and thinking about God’s knowledge of our path, Psalm 139:3 (here @ Bible Gateway), it occurs to me that what comes into our lives is intentional, purposeful. To validate that for yourself, consider Ephesians 2:10 (here @ Bible Gateway), Hebrews 12:4 – 10 (here @ Bible Gateway), Romans 5:1 – 11 (here @ Bible Gateway), 2 Corinthians 1:3 – 11 (here @ Bible Gateway).
Back to Exodus… We know from the rest of the book that Moses is going to lead the nation out of their bondage to Egypt. That is not a trivial journey. The nation is going to have to flee the Egyptian army, cross miles of wilderness, essentially living off the land while carrying everything they can including shelters. Serious backpacking trip under duress.
Note what happened prior to Moses showing up. The Egyptians forgot Joseph. They began to afflict Israel. They gave them difficult, physically demanding work. They “compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously”.
Since we see in the Word that the Lord is sovereign, able to control the hearts of kings, Proverbs 21:1 (here @ Bible Gateway); isn’t it reasonable that the Lord used the Egyptian’s fear of Israel and their response to compel them into rigorous labor as preparation for the rigorous journey out of Egypt that was just around the corner for the nation?
So, if we are facing difficult times, perhaps we should be asking the Lord to help us understand it as prep. We certainly may not, and probably won’t, get an explanation as to the specifics of the reason for the prep. But, praying or asking in that way will remind us that is the case, it is prep.
It may be as simple as creating for us a platform from which to encourage and comfort others who are going through similar trials as 2 Corinthians 1:3ff (here @ Bible Gateway) suggests. It may be to develop our character as Romans 5:1ff (here @ Bible Gateway) and Hebrews 12:4ff (here @ Bible Gateway) declare. It may be for reasons that we never are able to determine. It is still prep.
Regardless, whether we understand or not, praying for understanding will remind us not only that He is intentional in what He brings into our lives, but also that we can trust Him through the process.
I do not pretend to suggest that this will make any of the difficulties less difficult. However, it could more accurately align our focus and faith.
What do you think?
I agree completely, thanks Mauri
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Mauri.
DeleteI've wrestled with this for so long. My view of God had been so diminished. I'm a good example of why J.B. Phillips wrote "Your God Is Too Small." Universally, it's more pleasant to believe in a God Who is only concerned with our comfort. At least, that seems to be the case in the Western church. However, that view leaves us in a real funk when things go horribly wrong (whether self-inflicted or others-inflicted). I won't list all the emotions, as believers, we go through when life takes a bad turn. Nor, will I make trite "Christian-ese" statement to people going through horribly painful seasons (you know the kind I'm talking about). But, my trust in God has been challenged. Especially when there's only two possible means by which He works in my life/our lives: He orchestrates or He allows. Are there really any other possibilities? And, that's tough to swallow, sometimes. Actually, a lot of times.
ReplyDeleteI strive to have the perspective of Habakkuk when he sung his prayer to the Lord, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" (Habukkuk 3:17-18 NLT)
This present life, with its sufferings and pleasures, deeply pales when we consider life in His presence for eternity. That gives me encouragement, even in the darkest times.
Still, not to sound too blithe (if that's the right word), pain is still painful. During those difficult seasons, especially the long ones, I just want to be done with them. As quickly as possible.
But, I remind myself that God is concerned with something deep down inside of me that needs attention. And, sometimes (most times) that takes more time than I like. I'm learning to be OK with that.
Brian, thank you for sharing this. Good stuff. Yeah, we want quick resolution and all it takes is a cursory read of Revelation to understand rather quickly that God's definition of quick is much different from ours. Like you pointed out He is one that lives in eternity. The great thing is we will live with Him in that state as well.
DeleteThank you again for this.