Obedience With a Cost

This morning it dawned on me that when trouble comes, it’s designed to bring the Lord greater glory than we can see or understand. The exodus from Egypt, and all of the miracles that came during that time, set the foundation that created some of the greatest faith stories in all of the Bible. Even though at times Moses and others faith may have faltered, the results ultimate brought great glory to our Father.

I find my faith being tested often these days. Changes in a few of the groups we work with bring a degree of uncertainty for the future. Add to that a few significant equipment problems and you have to wonder what exactly is going on. It seems that just about the time you have things running smoothly, something crops up out of no where. Such was the case at our last event.

Electrical problems, 110 and 12 volt, took down both units individually during the weekend. Both problems stretched my troubleshooting abilities to the limit. At times I was perplexed and uncertain in what direction to turn. However, I remained calm, restored power temporarily and methodically chased each problem to it’s resolution. One ended up being a bad relay, the other a shorted wire.

In the end, we learned we have some real work ahead to fix the roof on one motorhome and gained valuable knowledge of how the 12 volt charging system works on the other. Understanding both of these problems and their individual fixes, better prepares us for handling future problems and ultimately helps us become better as individuals and as a company. My abilities to stay calm is a direct refection of the Lord’s work in me and it’s affect on my life.

My question for you today…how do you see the trials the Lord brings in life? Are they meant to harm or help? Your answer to that question will speak volumes.

Blessings

Obedience With a Cost
by Os Hillman

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 5:23

Have you ever felt like you have been obedient to the Lord for something He called you to do and all you get are more roadblocks? This is the way Moses felt. When Moses went to tell Pharaoh to release the people because God said so, Pharaoh simply got angry and made the people make bricks without straw. Moses caught the blame for this from the people. Moses was just learning what obedience really means in God’s Kingdom. You see Moses had not even begun to release plagues upon Egypt. He hadn’t even gotten started yet in his calling, and he was complaining about his circumstances. There were many more encounters with Pharaoh to come, and many more plagues with no deliverances in sight. Why would God tell Moses that He is going to deliver them and not do it?

It was all in timing. God never said when He was going to deliver. He just said He would. In the next chapter, we find Moses arguing with God about not being capable of the job God had called him to:

But Moses said to the Lord, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?” Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and He commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 6:12-13).

Do you get the feeling God was losing His patience?

God had a good reason for His delays. He said, “And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it” (Ex. 7:5). God not only wanted the people of Israel but also the Egyptians to know Him. It would be the greatest show of God’s power on earth.

God often causes delays in our lives that we cannot understand. Sometimes it seems our obedience is not getting rewarded. Jesus said He learned obedience through the things He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). Imagine that – Jesus having to learn obedience. What does that say for you and me? Sometimes God’s delays are simply because He wants more glory in the situation, more recognition, more Christ-likeness in you and me through greater patience and obedience. Faint not, for the promise may yet come.