An exodus.
I sent out a prayer request to some friends yesterday and one friend faithfully responded, “an exodus is coming to this situation.”
Exodus literally means “the road out.”
We all experience trials and are perhaps waiting for our exodus. I couldn’t but turn to the book of Exodus and read through God’s leading of His people out of Egypt. It’s a great read. I encourage you to read beginning in chapter 3 and following.
For a brief summary, the Israelites were in bondage for 430 years (12:40). Prior to their deliverance, God called Moses to deliver His people. He spoke to Him, saying, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people…and have heard their cry. I know their sufferings. I have come to deliver them…” (3:7-8)
There’s so much I could say on just this. 430 years. That’s a long time. But more importantly, God saw, heard, knew, and came. He was not unaware or indifferent. The same is true for us. God sees, hears, and knows. We can also trust in His ultimate deliverance and plan.
You would think in encountering the Lord, Moses would be full of faith. And yet, Moses spends a lengthy amount of time protesting. But God didn’t give up on him. Instead, He said, “Go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (4:12) He promised Moses that He would equip him for what He was calling him to do. God later proclaims and reiterates His plan to Moses when Moses asks Him a question that we so often do - “Why?” (5:22) God declares, ”I have heard…and I will deliver. I will redeem you. I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God.” (6:5-7)
God does just that. He rescues His people out of Egypt in an undeniable way. But after countless miraculous acts and rescue, the Israelites quickly turned to grumbling, complaining, and questioning, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (17:7)
This is not unlike us. We can see the miraculous hand of God and so quickly begin to question or doubt Him because we don’t understand our current circumstances. Friends, may we learn from the Israelites here. May we remain in our faith, regardless of what we currently see and trust in what we undeniably know. He is our God and we can trust Him - no matter what.
I can’t see everything right now. But here’s what I know. God delivered us. God led us out. God has put a specific calling on my heart and on my children.
Because I know this, I can trust that He will work everything out for good, I can trust in full and complete healing, I can trust Him with my children’s hurt and pain, and I can trust He will fulfill what He has spoken… in His time. That’s the keyword - in His time. Not mine.
I’ve been sitting in James the past several days. James 1:2-4 says to “Count it all joy when you meet trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it’s full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Oof. Consider trials a joy? Sounds tough, right?
Yes, but no. Not when we believe the promise. James continues in 1:12, “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.” The reward for our faithful perseverance is eternal life. Our hope is in heaven.
I’ve learned to not ask why, but what. Not “God, why is this happening?”, but “What are you teaching me? What do you have for me here? What are you calling me to today?” And then, I must listen, trust, and obey. As I go, He will teach me what I need to know.
So for now, I will wait for the results and believe in the final outcome. I will wait for the victory that I know the Lord has already accomplished. Lord, make me steadfast and immovable, unwavering in faith.
Friends, what are you trusting God for today?
"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Isaiah 43:19.
This photo was weeks after our life changed. I'll never forget mine and JJ's conversation on the way to the park. He asked, "Mom? Do you think I will make a good father?" He clearly had a lot on his mind.
On the way home he became somewhat sad, expressing to me how he was feeling about things and what he missed. On so many levels my heart broke for him, and yet it was a beautiful opportunity to share truth with him. "JJ, I know you are sad. But God is always with you and He loves you. He protects you. Remember when you accepted Him as your Savior? He is in you and with you always. Also, you have SO many people that love and care about you. I know there will be days you are sad, but never ever forget that."
About 7 months later, God moved us out of our home that our family had shared for so long and into a new home, for our new beginning. What a joyful and yet emotional experience.
Only 9 months later, God would lead us out again. This time, out of California.
Welcome to Iowa.
God gave us a new state, a new home, a new life...
A new marriage.
A new road, a new journey.
Just like this photo of us walking with Eva, we know God is right here walking with us.
And currently, even in the midst of so many things, we know and trust God in it all. He so clearly delivered us and led us out, He so clearly led us here, and we trust He will continue to lead us into our futures.
