Where Is God when It Hurts?

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Today's Passage> Exodus chapter 1 and 2: 1-10
Memory Verse > Exodus 2: 5 & 6

All around us, we hear the sounds of defeat. More people are murdered near churches than we even care to think about. The enemy has launched an all-out attack on everything That once seemed off- limits to the kingdom of darkness... And at first glance, he seems to be winning. More divorces, which result in children that are filled with despair, depressed and willing to take their own lives or someone else's.

But look again. This is the same scenario the children of Israel find themselves in according to today's passage. The same nation that embraced Jacob and his descendants for years turns into one that couldn't care less for them. As a matter of fact, not only have they grown to detest them, but they also greatly fear them due to their sheer numbers. They go from being viewed as honored members of Joseph's family to a bunch of misfits who didn't belong in their country. It would almost seem as if God set them up to be destroyed. Surely God knew ahead of time that the Egyptians would turn against His people? Surely their oppression was of no surprise to the omniscient God?

There's something about the way God allows the enemy of His people to come so close to things that could potentially harm them. Pastors Chad and Nette call this moment in every believer's life their "9-11 moment". This is obviously the point when God's Presence is hidden from all involved. Just like the children of Israel, I'm sure the prayers went something like this: God, do You even care that I'm here? Do You see what I'm going through? And sometimes it seems as though He chooses not to respond.

But for those of us who've experienced it personally, God has not only seen, but has mapped a way out long ahead of time BEFORE the problem arose. I guess the whole idea of allowing our enemies to come that close to us is so that they get some false sense of security, and get trapped when He shows Himself strong in our lives. That way, no- One but Him could dream of getting the glory. I mean, look how clean the whole thing went down when Moses was born. Who else but God would manipulate time so that Pharaoh's daughter herself would come and rescue him from the water. Wake up! Never think God is unaware of the ins and outs of our situation. All we have to do is trust, and watch the Master Plan come together as it Always does.

Prayer: Father, I've used the word "trust" far too loosely. But when it came time to let go, I did the opposite. I want to declare to You today that I will trust when You say You know what You're doing. I release every hold on the outcome of what I'm worried about in Jesus' Name. I gaze upon Your face with earnest expectation of Your move, and praise You in advance for what only You can do in my life. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.