He is Faithful

This weekend I'm reminded of God's faithfulness! I've been reading, very slowly, through the Bible for the past couple of months, taking my time to really understand each thing I'm reading. I've picked up on details that I've never noticed before, by reading this way.

I was reading in Exodus and I had so much to discuss with my husband. :) (Those who know me well, know that I always ask questions! I love to learn and I'm just curious!) He doesn't always know the answers either but it's fun to discuss it all with him! Here's an example of what God's been teaching me!

Back in Genesis, God tells Abraham that his descendants will be enslaved for 400 years! Can you imagine?

So...in Exodus, it happens. Abraham had so many relatives that it worried the Egyptians. They knew the Hebrews were more and mightier than they were! It just seems strange to me how they were overtaken by this other people group. And maybe the Hebrews didn't know this would happen. Maybe they did. Didn't they have some sort of history scroll? ha ha Or parchment or stone?(Can't remember what they used in those early days.) They must not have known this would happen or their mighty men would do something to stop it, right? The Egyptians took over and made them slaves. Is it really that easy to be in control of other people?? Well, the Hebrew people were living in Egypt. They weren't Egyptians, so I imagine they were just honored guests that turned into slaves conveniently for the Egyptians. Here they just live normal lives and then the next day (or days), their lives are totally changed, most likely to them it seemed it was for the worse. It says in Ex. 1:14 that the Egyptians "made their lives bitter with hard labor..."But to God, it was in His plans. He was not shocked! He knew that this day would happen, and He knew when the exact day was too!!

Does is seem similar to other times in history when large people groups were taken over or where there was much hopelessness? Jews, again during the holocaust were treated so badly. And as time gets closer to the return of Jesus, sadly, the world is not becoming a better place. It's getting harder and harder for many people! Basic morality is crumbling, life is not thought of as sacred, and families are being persuaded to exchange good for bad. There are fears for jobs, food, homes, and our health and the possibility of not even having any say in your own life and choices. How hopeless is all of that?!

Does God know about this day? Does God know that there are people suffering?

Of course He does! Is He is also calling us to live more simply, wisely and Godly? I think so. I can't imagine life without the hope of Jesus Christ though, I'll tell you that!! In our family right now, we're just pluggin' along but there have been difficult times in the past. God knew about each one of these and He has been SO faithful to take care of us. If you feel worried about things that may come about in your life, or that are already happening; whether it's a loss, pain, money, marriage or worry about your kids- Cry out to Jesus! And know that He knows!! You don't have to be alone, going through something hard. We really shouldn't even be worrying!

"There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken heart. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing; He'll meet you wherever you are! Cry out to Jesus!" (Lyrics from Third Day's song: Cry out to Jesus).

I'd just like to encourage anyone who feels like life is too much for them to handle. Actually, I believe it would be if I didn't have the Lord. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!" You will be! Not saved from heartache in this life, but saved from going through it alone. Forgiven for your own sin ...loved and given another chance. If you already know the Lord, read the Word! Open it up and see what God wants you to know!

In Ex.3:7-8 it says, "And the Lord said, "Surely I have seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring the up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey..."

Be encouraged!