Read: Exodus 2:1-15
Filming this account of Moses’ life would make a binge-worthy Netflix series. Moses is an Israelite slave baby born under a death order. In rapid succession, he miraculously becomes an Egyptian prince, murder, fugitive, and refugee,
GOD DIDN’T GIVE NOAH A MAP
Escaping from a death sentence, Moses runs off to Midian. Every bit of influence and all of his plans for the future evaporate into thin air. He discovers himself in the middle of nowhere. All his power is gone. Everyone and everything that provided comfort and security in his life evaporate. The only One left is God. Moses chooses to focus on God. His choice does not seem hard to us, because we know what happens down the road. However, Moses does not possess God’s detailed map.
WE CRY “FIX THIS GOD!”
If you have not been there yet, you will be. Life veers off course. It may be a result of your choices, or it may seem random and unfair. Either way, life is not what you expect, and you feel stuck. You wait for God to act. “Fix this God!” is your repeat cry. Eventually, you begin to realize that His timing and plans often do not match ours. God possesses more important long-term goals for each of us than we have for ourselves. Our map is not the map.
“Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)” (Proverbs 19:21 AMP). “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55: 8-9 NIV).
THE CHOICE
When life is not what you expect, what do you choose? Do you abandon God or dig deeper into Him and His Word? Do you opt to pout, get bitter and angry? Or do you choose to remember and stubbornly cling to the truth of God’s goodness, power, and love? Is your conscious decision to believe He has good plans for you no matter what life looks like at the moment? Have you learned to hear His voice, abide in Him, trust Him while you wait for Him to work in your life circumstances?
To make this choice is a daily battle. Satan does not want us to win. With Jesus, we have the power to win that battle daily. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
Probably, you will not become an Egyptian prince, murder, fugitive and refugee, all in rapid succession. However, like Moses, we can learn what absolute joy is ours when we choose to cooperate with and totally depend on God. Pray and ask God for wisdom. What are some specific actions you can do this week to draw close to God? He wants you to seek the growth He seeks to provide, regardless of your circumstances. God’s maps may be puzzling, but they are trustworthy.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3: 20-21)
Suggested reading: “You’re Late Again, Lord!” by Karon Phillips Goodman