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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Are you at an impasse? Have you come to a place where there seems to be no way out? You can’t go back, yet you cannot see what’s ahead?
The Old Testament book of Exodus spans about 81 years and tells the story of Israel through Moses’ eyes. The pyramids already existed then, and Egypt was renowned for its sciences, literature, art, religion and long-established customs.
It is interesting to think of the first ones who read or heard accounts of Exodus. Most likely, it was the children and grandchildren of the slaves who dared to leave Egypt with Moses.
Their parents and grandparents made the impossible journey and crossed with Moses beyond the sea into the wilderness. Now, this throng of people stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land of Canaan.
Still, they faced difficult choices, with seemingly no easy way ahead.
Exodus tells other events of these same people:
• They made poor choices that resulted in wilderness wandering
• They had a daily provision from God — manna
• They had providential provision of direction and guidance, the cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night
• They were the first to know of God’s expectations and decrees — the Ten Commandments
• They experienced many manifestations of God’s presence By now you may wonder, “So, what does this have to do with me?”
Maybe you identify with the Exodus people, or you have friends who do. Many people are at an impasse — their life seems like gridlock.
In reflecting, you’ve had encounters with God, yet still need encouragement.
Here are some biblical reminders:
• Psalm 77:19: “You (God) made a way through the sea and paths through the deep waters, but Your footprints were not seen. You led Your people like a flock by using Moses and Aaron.”
• Isaiah 43:19: “I (the Lord) will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
• Colossians 4:2-3: “When you pray, keep alert and be thankful. Be sure to pray that God will make a way.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:13: “God is faithful … He will make a way.”
Personalize this paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 10:13, and read it often: “I can trust God. He will not let me be tested beyond what I am able, but with the test, He will provide the way of escape so that I may be able to endure it.” (Onarecker paraphrase) Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
