Exodus 16:1-3
1 And
they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the
children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between
Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their
departing out of the land of Egypt.
2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord
in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did
eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this
wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
I've been thinking about this story a lot lately. I wish I could say it's because I am preparing a message on it or teaching it, but honestly, it's because I am living it. So many temptations to return to former ways besiege me on an almost daily basis. I just keep thinking it would be easier to go back, even if it isn't what is best. I am no different than the Israelites. They knew the circumstances in Egypt, but this unknown territory was frightening. They struggled in trusting the Lord because their eyes were on their circumstances. I struggle trusting too... wondering 'what if....' all the while knowing that if I dare allow myself to answer, I will find myself stuck in a place that closely resembles the Egypt of their day... a place the the Lord didn't intend for them to be. I know if I return to my Egypt, I will never completely find my specific purpose. So I hang on to His word and His promises that He cares for me in ways that I don't understand. I hang on to the fact that circumstances do not scare or intimidate my God. I hang on to the truth that if I walk uprightly and trust Him, He will be my buckle or shield. I hang on.
What about you? Is He asking you to leave your Egypt? Maybe it's a habit that has a stronghold on you...or a relationship that is not His best for you...or maybe He is asking you to step out in faith and serve Him in a way that stretches you? I know that fear you face. Just hang onto Him!
Father, you know all too well the challenges and temptations I face. You know there are times I want to run back to what is comfortable, known, but completely unsatisfying. You made me for more that just adequate. I ask you to remind me of the truths of your promises when my resolve is wearing thin. Thank you for bringing me out of Egypt and for walking with me to the promised land! I love you!!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Oddly Unrelated Randomness
Just some random observations I've made over the past few weeks....
God's Word literally changes my personality...just ask those living in close proximity to me! Been a bit of a dry spell...actually laziness on my part. Unfortunately, those around me pay. So.very.sorry.
When you talk with someone about the "just in case something happens while I am gone" end of life wishes for your dog and they respond, "I don't want to have to make that decision, but I will" and they get a bit choked up...you KNOW you've picked the right person to take care of one of the things that has deep place in your heart!
There is nothing more appealing to me than a man who has good character. One who has the grit to do the right thing, the wisdom to seek counsel on questionable issues, the determination to not look for a way around the rules but rather to either follow or change them, and the guts to confront an issue. This gem is a rarity...
Conversely, there is nothing that garners my inability to respect quicker than poor character. Like Cubic Zirconia...you can find them everywhere! 'Nuf said.
All of the weather wrath and fury that we have seen unloaded upon our country of late has made me stop, ponder why, and go to my knees in prayer. I don't know if God is judging us, but He isn't stopping it from happening either...things that make you go, hmmmmm. 2 Chronicles 7:14
All too often, we women are just mean girls in adult bodies.
Sad truth.....if men had responded to a movie like some of us women responded to 'Magic Mike', we'd have been incensed and calling them all kinds of not so nice names! Don't give me the excuse that it's about time the roles were reversed...it's called hypocrisy and I was a part of it!
Wait for the spectacular...that person or situation is so worth it, I promise! :) Seems like I lose a part of me when I settle.
One of the sweetest things I have seen in a very long time is a picture of my aging dog chasing two adorable children around the yard with a sprinkler...you can almost hear the squeals leap off of the page and see the delight on Coco's face. Priceless.
People are going to say mean, stupid stuff. I say mean, stupid stuff. I need to practice a bit more forgiveness and grace on those who, like I can be, are clueless that their words hurt...even those said in jest.
Breakfast with a friend who is on the same page, in the same stage, and feels similar challenges as you is deeply comforting and a soothing balm for the soul. Cherish, protect, and work at keeping those friendships vibrant.
Chronic gossipers have sad, sorry lives.
Nothing pulls me into deeper awe and fellowship with my Savior than His creation. Snorkeling has left me in total wonder as to how anyone cannot see our Creator in His creation. I am certain the wilds of Alaska will take it to a new level! Looking forward to communing with Jesus in a cool way next week!
God's Word literally changes my personality...just ask those living in close proximity to me! Been a bit of a dry spell...actually laziness on my part. Unfortunately, those around me pay. So.very.sorry.
When you talk with someone about the "just in case something happens while I am gone" end of life wishes for your dog and they respond, "I don't want to have to make that decision, but I will" and they get a bit choked up...you KNOW you've picked the right person to take care of one of the things that has deep place in your heart!
There is nothing more appealing to me than a man who has good character. One who has the grit to do the right thing, the wisdom to seek counsel on questionable issues, the determination to not look for a way around the rules but rather to either follow or change them, and the guts to confront an issue. This gem is a rarity...
Conversely, there is nothing that garners my inability to respect quicker than poor character. Like Cubic Zirconia...you can find them everywhere! 'Nuf said.
All of the weather wrath and fury that we have seen unloaded upon our country of late has made me stop, ponder why, and go to my knees in prayer. I don't know if God is judging us, but He isn't stopping it from happening either...things that make you go, hmmmmm. 2 Chronicles 7:14
All too often, we women are just mean girls in adult bodies.
Sad truth.....if men had responded to a movie like some of us women responded to 'Magic Mike', we'd have been incensed and calling them all kinds of not so nice names! Don't give me the excuse that it's about time the roles were reversed...it's called hypocrisy and I was a part of it!
Wait for the spectacular...that person or situation is so worth it, I promise! :) Seems like I lose a part of me when I settle.
One of the sweetest things I have seen in a very long time is a picture of my aging dog chasing two adorable children around the yard with a sprinkler...you can almost hear the squeals leap off of the page and see the delight on Coco's face. Priceless.
People are going to say mean, stupid stuff. I say mean, stupid stuff. I need to practice a bit more forgiveness and grace on those who, like I can be, are clueless that their words hurt...even those said in jest.
Breakfast with a friend who is on the same page, in the same stage, and feels similar challenges as you is deeply comforting and a soothing balm for the soul. Cherish, protect, and work at keeping those friendships vibrant.
Chronic gossipers have sad, sorry lives.
Nothing pulls me into deeper awe and fellowship with my Savior than His creation. Snorkeling has left me in total wonder as to how anyone cannot see our Creator in His creation. I am certain the wilds of Alaska will take it to a new level! Looking forward to communing with Jesus in a cool way next week!
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