Failures and disappointments

Reading through the book of Exodus had me thinking about failures, tribulations and God's promises for our lives.

From the first few chapters, the promise is clearly established, when Moses is told:

-"So now, go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt" Exodus 3:10

Throughout the next few chapters, Moses almost continuously goes back and asks the same question: "Me? Are you sure?". This is from a man, who practically spoke face to face with God. I almost cringed when I heard Moses say:

- "O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all." Exodus 5: 22-23

If this is how Moses felt, can you now imagine how the Israelites were feeling? I could not find any passages where God instructed Moses to share with the Israelites the details of how He would deliver them out of Egypt. In fact, when Moses shared with the Israelites that God would lead them out of Egypt, they refused to believe him because of their "discouragement and cruel bondage" (Exodus 6:9). I think a part of them was secretly hoping and praying that Moses was telling the truth.

Can you imagine how the Israelites were feeling? Each time Pharaoh pleaded with Moses to stop a plague, and promised to let them go; hope would start rising again amongst the Israelites. Each time Pharaoh's heart hardened, they had to wake up and face another day of forced labor and crushed hope. Imagine the door being slammed in your face over and over. Imagine waking up in the morning, having received a promise from God, and going to bed at night knowing that yet another door was closed...

Knowing that I have a promise doesn't make any easier for me to make sense of the failures and disappointments in life. I find it very challenging to see beyond the current disappointments and remember the bigger picture. I still like to be reminded of where to look for hope.

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" Exodus 14:14



We all know how the story ends, the Israelites are led out of Egypt, where the adventure really starts.

EED

Genesis 9:15-16

"I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9:16

As I read these verses, my mind went back to the first day we worked at Beulah Land Baptist Church in New Orleans. At the end of the workday, while pastor Michael Zachary was delivering a great sermon, and sharing some promises with us; it rained for a long time... I have to admit that I was a little scared being inside the church, the weather forecast called for all sorts of warnings.

At the end of the service, we all went outside and saw not one, but two rainbows in the sky. We all intuitively knew that God was smiling down on us. It was such an incredible moment. Reading these verses just took me back to that day, and I am so grateful that the church was not only protected from hurricane Gustav, but Ike as well.


So faithful!

EED

Jeremiah 29:11 (for my little brother)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This verse leaves me speechless every time I read it. What a wonderful promise! Never forget His promise, little brother.

I love you! (yes, I am embarrassing you again... sorry!)

EED

Acts 8: 28-29

I attended a great presentation on the Impact World Tour a couple of days ago, and this verse spoke to me.

"and on his way home he was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit said to Philip "Go to the chariot and stay near it". Acts 8: 28-29

The point Patti (who did the presentation) was trying to get across is that we need to listen to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit spoke to Phillip, and because Phillip listened (and obeyed), he was able to share his knowledge and the "good news about Jesus". By the time Phillip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch and abruptly left, the eunuch was "rejoicing" and I can imagine him sharing the good news with his fellow travelers or anyone who would listen.

I try to talk to people at different events I attend (I am slowly becoming less of an introvert), and I always find it amazing when they open up to me, sometimes sharing things they rarely talk about. Most times, all I can offer are words of comfort, or a prayer, but I think these simple things can make a difference in someone's day. I know that I personally feel great when the people around me (or the ones I meet on the wonderful world wide web) give me a "pep talk" or words of encouragement. It's very refreshing!

A few chapters later:

"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia" Acts 16: 6

Call it intuition, or discernment (hopefully not judgment), but He really does want the best for us!

EED

Ps 118:8

Dear Father,

Thank you for your comfort. Please Father, don't let my heart be troubled by things I cant control. I thank you for showing me the cause of all the confusion. Please help me remember this verse, and practice it every time I feel disappointment creeping into my heart.

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord,
Than to trust in man"
Ps 118:8

SO BE IT.

Colossians 3:18-21

Rules for Christian Households

" 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."

These verses puzzled me for weeks, well the first verse more than the others... Submission? Cultural differences and personal bias prevented me from understanding the deeper meaning of these verses. They now make sense on so many different levels... not just in the context of husbands and wives, parents and children; this passage also teaches about obedience as a fundamental part of my walk with the Lord. I had help reaching this conclusion of course, but it really hit me late last night, and everything just seemed to fall into place:

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-2o

EED