Have you ever felt like God sent you headlong into a trap? We have been there. God sent us. No doubt. But it was an experience that was not at all foreseen. We are stronger people for living through it, but more importantly, we knew, without doubt, that God was, is, and always will be in control. We thought we had great trust in our Savior and Lord, and we did have enough to obey and walk into the trap.
However, after the “trap experience”, our trust in God went way beyond what words can now describe! God is the LORD! HE is the One and Only to be glorified! He knows what He needs to do in and through us so that we (and others around us) will know that HE IS LORD! HIS story and our story intertwines to bring Him praise! It IS all about HIM…and not about us. These are not just words to sell a book! It’s Truth. We are secondary to His purposes but highly important to His Story. We are redeemed for His Story. We are HIS. We are loved unconditionally. We are precious to Him.
As the prophet, Jeremiah, proclaims…”For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11-)
And Jeremiah reminds us (from the LORD) to pray…”In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you, says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 29, NLT)
So, you see, there is more to God’s Story than sending the people on the scenic route to the promised land. He actually sent them to be trapped between the wilderness and the sea…the Red Sea, to be exact. These were God’s instructions to Moses!
“Tell the people to march toward Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, opposite Baal-zephon. This Pharaoh will think, ‘Those Israelites are confused. They are trapped between the wilderness and the sea!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this so I will receive great glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!’ so the Israelites camped there as they were told.” Exodus 14, NLT
We are stopping here to meditate on this beginning of what God will do next! Think about what God has led you to and through and give HIM glory…in gratitude! That’s what God wants, I think? Don’t you?
Dear Heavenly Father, YOU are awesome and the only One to be praised! Thank you for Your Word that teaches and reminds us! Now may we “chew” on this all day long.
In Jesus Name, Amen