Reflecting

In the past when I thought about the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt to Canaan, I judged, so to say; "Man, these people; God must have really loved them to be so patient." After all that He  had done for them, after all the miracles, signs and wonders and they still complained. I thought that I would have acted differently, more grateful and wisely, maybe. That has since changed though. Now I look at things differently. When I reflect on my life, in the past and even today, I see a similar behaviour. How fast we forget, yes with me included. It's possible that I would have behaved in the same way, had I been there.

The Israelites had been enslaved by the Egyptians for years. The news that God had heard their cry and would save them, was received with jubilation and praise. Later Moses visited the Pharaoh asking him to let the Israelites leave for three days to worship God. Instead, Pharaoh refused and gave the Israelites more work than before. Things then turned around and what they saw as their hope for salvation, they viewed as more problems. Even Moses expressed the same as seen; 

Lord, why have You brought trouble on these people?... For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to these people; neither have You delivered Your people at all. Exodus 5:22

Sound familiar? I look at the various issues that we face today. At some point when things are bad, we feel that there is hope, but then it seems like it's getting worse again. It may seem like the enemy is getting stronger, but the Lord is not yet done, He is just beginning. The Lord told Moses that through His mighty hand, Pharaoh would not only let them go, but he would actually drive them out. This time though, the Israelites did not believe because of the anguish caused by Pharaoh's cruelty. This may also happen today; when we lack concern or willingness and practically give up on hope, because of how bad we've been beaten down. In this case, I will insist on watching and praying, involve a prayer partner if possible James 5:13. Do not underestimate the power of prayer; even when you cannot yet see the results you expect, it will give you strength and peace. Pray even in times when you are not feeling worthy of prayer.

Finally after the ten plagues Exodus 7-12, Pharaoh lets the Israelites go, but it's not over yet. The Israelites get to the red sea and behind they see Pharaoh coming after them; nowhere to ran to. Immediately, they give in to fear and forget the wonders of the ten plagues; "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?" they cried to Moses Exodus 4:11. These people...lol. Once again the Lord saves them by dividing the waters of the Red sea for them to cross. However, their complaints as well as their lack of faith, patience and gratitude do not stop, as they journey through the wilderness; When they were hungry, when they were thirsty and they even molded and worshiped a golden calf when Moses took too long on the Mountain.

I would have named this post waiting on the Lord, but I thought about reflecting on our faith and our lives in relation to the life of the Israelites in the wilderness.  Or is it because this week, there has been a lot of talks on slavery to sin, bondage and getting too comfortable in negative habits. When we get tired of overcoming, that we no longer try and remain in the same state. That we will say we want something, yet we are not willing to make the effort, compromise or even have to make some sacrifices to get there  or the particular thing; "Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into the wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Exodus 16:3. I do not underestimate any issue and I am not judging either. I have also done this at some point. Reflection

In cases where there is willingness to change one could try some of these: praying, meditating on the word of God and speaking it out, asking someone to pray with you, praying and fasting..and in cases where there is deliberate effort to change or break free, but one is not able to do that on their own, deliverance from trusted persons could be sought James 5:14. Yes, there is deliverance from all kinds of bondage and slavery.
  
 Janette ikz- The Whole Truth. Always love her spoken word