Bible Blog Post January 28th

Exodus 5:22-7:24

Matthew 18:21-19:12

Psalm 23:1-6

Proverbs 5:22-23

 

Have you ever felt stuck? Questioned why God has you in a certain situation? Waiting on something you want so desperately? Moses was waiting on God to rescue the Israelites and did not understand why it was taking so long, but he remained faithful and obedient to God throughout the wait. God promised to rescue the Israelites, and He promises to rescue you and me.

 

God honors obedience. 

While we do not see it immediately, God honors Moses' obedience. Moses did not understand why God had him do what He did, but he followed God's directions. And ultimately, God honors Moses' obedience by allowing him to lead the people he was shepherding out of Egypt.

 

God is approachable.

We can go to God with anything. Moses constantly questioned God. I have found myself questioning why God has me wait for certain things, but have come to the realization that the waiting is where my faith gets refined, which is a gift.

 

God cares. 

In Exodus 3:7, The Lord said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. God saw, heard, and was concerned about His people in Egypt. He still sees, hears and cares for us. He cares about what we are going through and he cares about how we deal with suffering. Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

 

We are all waiting on something, and what is important as Christians is how we wait and who we become in the process. Will we become bitter, resentful, envious, stubborn, or will we become hopeful, joyful, humble, and cultivate a heart of worship? 

 

Today's reading includes Psalm 23:1-6, a great meditation passage for times of waiting. I encourage you to read it again. It reminds us that God sees, hears, and cares for us as a shepherd does for his sheep. He provides all that we could need. He leads us in the right way, even when it takes a while, even when the road is tough, even when we feel like we are in the darkest valley. His rod and staff provide both comfort and protection. How thankful we should be for his guidance, patience, and refinement in the times of waiting. We must remember to look to Him. How grateful we should be to have His goodness and mercy with us when we mess up. How joyful we should be in the hope of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.