from the firing line…

Each time I read this passage of I am reminded of the ongoing pattern of the work of God. In response to the cries of His people, God comes to do a mighty work of deliverance – and He did. The plagues of judgment upon Egypt, the dividing of the Red Sea, the giving of His law and provision of manna. All mighty miracles that only the God of all power could accomplish.

Yet, a vital part of that plan, was the choosing of a man to be His vessel in bringing the people out of Egypt. God’s plan has ever been that duet of His might and His man (and sometimes woman). Exodus 3:8a And I am come down to deliver them… v.10 …and I will send thee… that thou mayest bring forth my people… It is an awesome consideration, that God would allow stumbling, weak people to be a part of His plan.

As we read on into Exodus 4 we find the debate between an hesitant Moses and the Lord. Moses, rightfully so, did not feel adequate for the work set before him. But God challenged him to consider what was in his hand. It was simple shepherd’s tool, a stick, called a “rod” and what a mighty instrument it became. Each plague was brought forth by that rod, the sea was divided when that rod was raised… we could go on and on. But the key to this part of the story was that Moses’ rod was surrendered to the work of God. 4:20b …and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. When Moses gave what he had to God, a great transformation took place.

God is still at work on planet earth. He has something great He desires to do right where you live. And His pattern of work is still the same – He will supply the might, will you be the man or woman or teen that is willing to be used of God? Will you turn over to God your abilities and let Him take them to Himself? The story of Moses and his leadership has captured the minds and hearts of millions of people down through the ages. But it all began with his surrender to his God. What great work awaits you?

I, like many of you have been anticipating the start of another new year and all the excitement and fresh vision it brings. I enjoy Christmas, but really I want it to “hurry up” so I can get on to the plans for the new year. I was waiting out the holidays, when things began to change.

I have only one sibling, as sister, who called in a very concerned state of mind to tell me that my elderly parents, who have been quite ill of late, had disappeared. She had checked on them only to discover the car in the garage, but no sign of anyone. Pretty frightening for all the family, but especially for her as she was close at hand. Well, after several hours, they were located, both already in hospital and neither of them doing well.

I won’t bother you with all the details of my family issues, but it became quite evident I needed to go and see what help I could be to my sister and my parents. It was not on my calendar of things to do during the first week of January. I had other things planned – great things! You know, messages to preach, programs to launch, meetings I wanted to attend… but I needed to go. It was the right decision. I am actually writing this on the plane heading home. Things are not settled yet, dad is still in hospital, and mom is not doing well – her dementia is steadily increasing. I have made new plans to return in a couple of weeks.

As I have pondered the situation, I have been made to realize afresh that sometimes God has something else in store for us than what we have planned for ourselves. And we need to be ready to follow the “bend in the road” that He sets before us and look for the lessons He has waiting for us. As I return home, I have been made more tender to sufferings of others, and I hope, more understanding of the burdens we each much bear in the course of life.

Someone once said, “Any circumstance beyond my control, is in the will of God.” I pray that I can submit my spirit to follow this new and somewhat difficult journey He has set before me with grace and understanding. I pray that He will use it to shape my life to be more like Him.