Trail of Trials

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. (Ex 13:17-18)

Ever wonder how God chooses the path he leads us on? It should be obvious by this point in our lives that it’s not the easiest or shortest path. We can see that in this passage. If you are in Egypt and you want to get to Canaan, the easiest and quickest way is to follow the Mediterranean coast up through Philistine country. You certainly wouldn’t strike out across the desert toward the Red Sea. Even if you could figure out how to cross it you would find yourself in the desolate Sinai. In fact, by leading them to the shores of the Red Sea God led them, on purpose, into a trap. With the sea before them and the army of Pharaoh behind them they were in need of a miracle – which was precisely God’s plan! That day God miraculously defeated both the army and the sea. By taking them on this path, what did God accomplish?

1. They saw God’s final, miraculous triumph over their Egyptian slave masters. 
2. They were in a desolate region where they were utterly dependent on God for food and water. And 
3. There was absolutely no way they could turn back because the Sea was now between them and Egypt! 

In fact, if they had taken the coast road they would have had to fight their way through Philistia, and God knew they were not ready for that.

Lord, I know you go behind me and before me. You mark out a path for me that is wiser than I can imagine. It is a path full of trials, but they are the trials you have chosen for me. There are other trials I am not ready to face, but you have chosen these trials for me so that I may learn to depend on you. You are my provision and my protection. I will trust in you. Amen.

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Ps 48:14)

Giver of Good Things

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Ps 16:2)

Every good thing we have is a gift from our Heavenly Father, the creator of all things. Why are we so often possessive of what we have and resentful of what we don’t have? We are possessive because we forget we are tenants only. What I enjoy here on earth is mine for a time, but when I die I will give it all back to the One who owns everything. I resent what I do not have because I am focused on created things instead of the Creator himself. It is easy, too, to forget that God has promised us an inheritance greater than anything we have enjoyed in this life. I am not talking about streets of gold here. They are just a backdrop for what the true blessings of eternity will be – basking in the brilliance and warmth of God’s presence forever and ever, in the blissful fellowship of all the saints. The good things God has given me now – family and friends and a home and a ministry – these are just a foretaste of the good things to come. Thank you, Lord, for your incredible generosity to your children. Amen.

The Father's Delight

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Lk 11:9-10)

This is such as simple and marvelous promise; no wonder it has been a favorite through all generations. Yet my cynical mind immediately begins to think of exceptions, conditions and limitations, so that it is robbed of its impact. It is as though I am afraid to get my hopes up. Yet this morning I decided to let the simple thrill of this verse wash over me. Do we really have a Father who loves us this much? Yes we do. He will not answer us reluctantly, like the friend in the parable who had already gone to bed (v7). No, our heavenly Father delights to give us good things, if only we will ask. Lord, I know that you desire to give us good things. When we ask for a fish you will not give us a snake (v11). When we ask for a snake, you will not give us one either. You desire to bless us! Help me to grasp that truth at the deepest level of my being.

Remembering God's Mercy

But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. (Ex 17:3a)

They grumbled against Moses, but their complaints were really against God. It seems incredible that after witnessing so many huge miracles they would still grumble so quickly. What they were completely missing was any understanding of the character of God. Perhaps they had a pagan concept of the capriciousness of the gods. They clearly didn’t grasp that God is true, faithful, good, merciful and omnipotent. Unfortunately, although we know better we often fall into the same trap. When terrible things happen we get angry or afraid or despairing. I said “we”. I should say “I”. I show myself to be out of touch with the character and nature of God when I feel that way. Lord, I want to know you as you really are. Forgive me for doubting your goodness and your power. Remind me when I forget. “Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!”

No Prosperity Needed

O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. (Ps 17:14)

If any verse is an antidote to the “prosperity gospel” this would be it. What I hear in this verse is that however much or how little I have, it is enough for those who love God. Sometimes the righteous may not even have enough to eat! And yet God stills their hunger. Literally? I don’t know. But he makes us to see that he is our sufficiency. God forgive me for gluttony and the lust for things. I know my “treasures [are] in heaven, where moth and rust do not consume, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Mt 6:20) What security and what peace I would have if I could only grasp this. Teach me, Lord, to know that what I have is enough, and that you will “meet all [my] needs according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Ph 4:19)

Sacrifice

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” (Gen 22:14)

The mountain of the Lord is the place of sacrifice. Here where Abraham offered up Isaac is where the Temple would later stand. Here all Israel brought their sacrifices. In the place of sacrifice God will provide. Metaphorically, we must also get to that place before the Lord can provide. If we hold tightly to what he has already given, why should we expect God to give more? It is not until we are willing to lose what we have that God can bless us. If we are stingy with the gifts he has already given we will never know what abundance could be ours. Abraham was willing to do the inconceivable – to sacrifice his only son. No man has ever been asked to surrender more and none has ever been more greatly blessed. Lord, forgive me for holding on to what I have too tightly. Teach me to be willing to abandon all and trust in faith that you will provide.