God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

In the previous post I shared the story of the Israelites who went to Egypt to escape the famine in Israel.  They stayed 400 years and grew to 2 million strong, and eventually became slaves to Pharaoh.

The Israelites cried out to the Lord to save them.

“He (God) looked down on the Israelites and felt deep concern for their welfare.” (Exodus 2:25 NLT)

Moses was then instructed by The Lord: ” Now go for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You will lead my people, the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10 NLT)

The Lord knew that Pharaoh wasn’t going to let all of his slaves go easily, so the Lord had a plan to inflict plague after plague on the Egyptians until Pharaoh  freed the Israelites. Pharaoh was so proud and so stubborn that  it took until the tenth plague – killing of all of the first born sons including Pharaoh’s – to make him so distraught that He not only let the Israelites go, he packed them up with the necessities they would need for the journey!

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go except under heavy pressure. So I will reach out and strike at the heart of Egypt with all kinds of miracles. Then at last he will let you go.” (Exodus 3:19-20 NLT)

The journey out of Egypt took many years with so many people,  yet the Lord was with them providing miracles to guide them and sustain them.  The Lord lead them with  a cloud to shield the sun during the day and a pillar of fire to light up the night.  In a similar way, we are guided today by every word in the Bible.

If we choose to follow the Lord and give him first place in our lives, He will help us achieve a better more peaceful life. Do you feel exhausted with your current lifestyle and feel like a slave to work, chores, errands,  your spouse, your children etc? God is willing and able to help you, all it requires is for you to take your hands off the wheel of your life so to speak and let God lead you.

“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. “ (Matt 10:39)

The Lord teaches us “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”

This means that when we put the Lord first, most likely your lifestyle must change. But, just as God kept watch and protection over the Israelites during their miraculous journey through the wilderness of Egypt over several years, he will guide you for as long as it takes to get you to the place in life where you are serving Him in the purpose He has for you. You may have to leave your 80 hour a week job and downsize your home.  You may have to drive a less expensive car and hang around people who value people over possessions. Don’t be surprised if you lose secular friends.  Don’t get frustrated that your journey is long.  Don’t give up and desire your old lifestyle and “fun.” Remember, you are really a slave to all that you put before the Lord. We all know deep down that professional titles, and possessions never satisfy.

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Tim 6:7-8NIV)

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”(Luke 12:15 NIV)