DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Who do you Trust?
by Elaine Pierce
I'm guessing that you, like me, have an image in your head when you read this well-known passage: Moses, beard flowing in an almost-hurricane strength wind, triumphantly holds up his hands to calm the raging waters of the Red Sea, and they dramatically part, allowing the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians. And, yes, that is what happened. But I often forget about how the people reacted before this happened, when they realized that the Egyptian army was hot on their heels, determined to bring them back to Egypt and back into slavery. They were sure they were doomed to defeat:
They [the Israelites] were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (v. 10-12)
How quickly they doubt the God of the universe! And the revisionist history is almost laughable - they certainly did NOT beg to remain enslaved in Egypt. They were frightened and forgot that the God who made a covenant with them to bring them to the Promised Land was the same God who would deliver them from their enemies. They faced fear, and they forgot to trust that their creator would continue to protect them.
What problem are you facing today? Have you shared it with God? Or are you afraid to trust him? I confess that I often ask God for help, and then I turn around and try to solve things on my own. Read these words that Moses brings to the people, and apply them to your own situation:
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14)
And these words from Psalm 46:10:
"Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Remember what God has done, and fear not! Take your doubts, your fears, your worries to him. He is waiting, and he will not let you down.
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for each day. I come to you with burdens, and you offer me hope, and peace and comfort in the midst of the storms that life brings. Help me to lay them at your feet, trusting in your good timing and wisdom, that one day all will be well. Amen.
Thanks Elaine for reminding me again to trust my Lord… the One who saves!
Lynn