Pathway to Promise

"Then He (God) sent someone to Egypt ahead of them - Joseph, who was sold as a slave...Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character." Psalm 105:17, 19

I've always enjoyed reading the account of Jacob's son Joseph in scripture. Although many see him as the spoiled, favoured child who was too proud for his own good, there is no denying the touch of the Lord on his life. I remember going to Toronto to see Donny Osmond in "Joseph and the Amazing Technical Dreamcoat". For a secular composition it didn't stray far from scripture. 

In case you're unfamiliar with the Genesis story, when Joseph began relating his dreams to his older brothers, their animosity towards him grew as his prophetic visions suggested he would one day be ruling over them. This led to their plot to kill him, but through a series of events, this 17-year-old teenager was instead sold to some merchants, who in turn sold him to a ruling Egyptian named Potiphar.

Yes, Joseph was sold as a slave, but this wasn't a random act of cruelty initiated by jealous siblings. God needed a deliverer for His people in Egypt. As we read in Psalm 105, the Lord "sent" Joseph to Egypt. The "selling" was the path in God's greater plan.

Once Joseph arrived at his God-ordained destination he still faced difficulties. His dreams weren't instantly realized. He was falsely accused of sexual advances by Potiphar's wife and placed in prison, where he remained for an unknown number of years. Through this time God was testing Joseph's character. We know he gained the favour of the prison warden, and was given responsibilities as overseer. He was eventually released, returning to the palace, being appointed head of Egypt at the age of 30, his dreams finally fulfilled.

A lot happened in those thirteen years from pit to palace, but every single detail was guided by the hand of God. Joseph's brothers didn't initiate the route to Egypt, they were only instruments of the Lord for God's purposes to be satisfied in his life. Joseph may have been sold, but God sent. The avenue for his advancement took time, and the Lord watched with interest to see how Joseph responded to each set-back.

We want the journey from revelation to realization to be immediate, but the destination is not God's only goal. Yes, the Lord had purposes for Joseph to fulfill as ruler and God used him greatly for the salvation of many people, but until his character matched his calling God continued to test him, growing, refining and preparing him for all that would eventually be included in the fulfillment of his dreams. The pathway to promise can seem perplexing to us, but it is designed by God for our good.

Has God planted a dream-seed in your heart that you wish had bloomed already? Is your heart holding a desire that you sense is from the Lord? If it hasn't happened yet, you're not ready yet. Trust God. Serve Him. Continue to spend time with the Lord and in His Word. Remain faithful. Be confident that God is in charge and in the fulness of time He will act. When God says 'now', nothing can stop all He has planned for you. Your sending might be soon, just don't be surprised at the roundabouts He might take as He refines and readies you for its eventual reward.

Stuck in the Tree of Knowledge

"The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions." Deuteronomy 29:29

Have you ever sat in a discussion group that becomes more of a debate, as attendees determine to correctly interpret and understand a passage of scripture? I love the study of God's Word, and my bookshelves are filled with various translations of the Bible, concordances, study guides and commentaries. If a passage of scripture has me confused, I'm quick to go online to some of my favourite Bible teachers to see if I can glean insight into the text, asking the Lord to guide me to understanding through the power of His Holy Spirit. Unfortunately though, sometimes, like our ancestors in the garden of Eden, we find ourselves stuck in the tree of knowledge, the source of original sin.

I think a problem can arise when research takes over revelation. We can be so adamant to know God's thoughts and interpretation that we can be straining at gnats while swallowing camels. We focus on something, that though important, shifts our thoughts away from the larger truth God is wanting to reveal. We get so side-tracked by a "bunny trail" that we accentuate the lesser important while completely missing the overall lesson the Lord is trying to teach us. We take great pains over the minor, while disregarding the major. If the answer really has no bearing over salvation, eternity or how I will live for Jesus, let it go.

Head knowledge is not the ultimate outcome. I've sat in gatherings where the entire time has been concentrated on interpreting one verse of scripture whose exegesis ends in more confusion. Instead of leaving the Bible study with a sense we have met with the Lord, learning from Him, I exit frustrated and annoyed. I often think if we would spend as much time discussing the obvious truths we know to be justifiable and plainly expressed in God's Word, walking in obedience to them, then the hours together would have been more productive and edifying to the Lord. The Psalmist writes it this way in Psalm 131:1, "I don't concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp."

There are secrets in scripture only known to the Lord. Accept that! There is mystery that surrounds God. If we were to fully understand every detail, we would all become our own little "g" gods. We would hold all the answers. Know everything. Trust in our own knowledge. Instead, the Lord keeps some things hidden from our understanding. It's actually so incredible that the Lord does choose to reveal some of His sweet secrets to us, but there is some knowledge that God keeps to Himself.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read through so many commands that we are accountable to obey. If we put as much effort and attention into following God's revealed truth as we do to figuring out what we will never fully understand, we'd be more content, instead of stirring up contention and controversy. Paul writes to Titus, "avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless" (3:9).  As we struggle to answer the "why's" and "how's" of God, knowing the meaning could be a hidden secret belonging to the Lord, can be a calming encouragement.

God reveals Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, and He desires us to learn how to live our lives by walking in His steps. Father, protect me from the pain that questioning every word can bring and help me trust You when I don't understand. May I remember that Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine (Is 55:9) and relinquish to You any anxiety that the unknown holds. Thank You for the one thing I know for certain. I am Yours and You are mine!

Finding Rest Amidst the Rubble

"They attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those who were straggling behind..." Deuteronomy 25:18a

"Really Lord? Seriously, this had to happen too? Am I not already going through enough? Does this have to be added to the already lengthy list of things I'm trying so hard to navigate and surrender to You? Truthfully, I feel the weight overwhelming me with constant stress. Really Lord?"

Have you been there? Do you ever think if one more thing happens it will be the tipping point? Emotionally, mentally, physically and possibly even spiritually, you've reached a critical point. If there is even the slightest hint of unwelcomed news, or one more crisis, one more challenging report, one more care or concern, it will threaten your ability to keep going. And then it happens. The phone call. The email. The meeting. The medical scare. The added worry. It's that straw. You know the one. It's the last occurrence in a series of unfortunate events, and although it may be small, the weight of its addition threatens collapse. Coming out of left field, it hits hard when you're already carrying what can seem like the weight of the world.

The enemy knows precisely when to time his attacks. Although there is nothing in scripture to indicate that he is omniscient, he is a master of observation. He watches our human behaviour, and like the Amalekites who had no fear of God and came after the Israelites when they were vulnerable, Satan knows when to strike. As the expression goes, he finds delight in kicking someone when they are already down.

This is a desperate place to be. Fatigue makes you fragile. You're at a breaking point. Anxiety claims slumber. Thoughts magnify doubts. You don't want to hear one more "trust God" or "don't be afraid" because your mind knows these words so well you could say them in your sleep....if you were sleeping.

You long to be a testimony of God's provision and strength. You might even be looking brave while running scared. You want those around you to see God through your response to the trials you're facing, but in reality you're on the verge of shattering. Everything collides at once, inciting a collapse. You armour up as more arrows fly. As each missile makes contact with your shield your feel it's impact, wishing the fight didn't always have to be so hard. If only victory could come easily, without the often accompanying wounding and suffocating panic.

There are times when in all honesty, we have every reason to be bankrupt in well-being. So, what do we do when consumed with "enemies" attacking us while we are suffering and straggling behind? Do we keep trying to fight from a place of depletion? No. We fall. We fall into the arms of the One who promises to carry us through. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Any who have made that great exchange know it to be true. Yes, God does allow our lives at times to be touched by more than we can handle because He desires to reveal more of His strength, love, goodness, mercy and grace to us.

Today if you feel forsaken, frail and forgotten, know that there are other fellow travellers who have sat in the rubble on that road. Christ Himself is familiar with paths of pain, but just as He rose victorious, He is with you and will take your hand, raising you from the ashes. Feel His arms around you. Rest in Him. He will hold you tight amidst the turmoil until the turnaround. Maybe not a reversal of happenings, but a revival of heart.

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

"If you see your neighbour's ox or sheep or goat wandering away, don't ignore your responsibility. Take it back to its owner...Do the same if you find your neighbour's donkey, clothing, or anything else your neighbour loses. Don't ignore your responsibility. If you see that your neighbour's donkey or ox has collapsed on the road, do not look the other way. Go and help your neighbour get it back on its feet!" Deuteronomy 22:1, 3-4

There are some memories that never leave us. The precious ones, we rejoice over and treasure. Then there are others whose recall spurs in us a desire to respond differently the next time.

I'm ashamed to actually share this personal illustration of failing to live out today's scripture passage. Although this happened years ago, it's as vivid as if it were yesterday. I had hurried into the grocery store to pick up a couple of items and in between the double doors of the entrance I saw something on the floor. With it being winter, and not desiring the item to be trodden down by the slushy wheels of the grocery carts, I bent over to pick it up and place it on the display just inside the door. As I did so, I realized it was the hood from a child's winter coat. My hope was that they would see it as they exited the store, had they even noticed it was missing. Patting myself on the back for this kind deed, I began my shopping.

So far, so good...right? Aren't I great! I didn't leave the article of clothing on the ground, but put it somewhere enabling it to be seen and located. Many would have left it. I picked it up. Aren't I a hero!

Here comes the embarrassing part. While gathering the items on my shopping list, I saw a young boy about 10-12 years of age. He was frantically hurrying up and down each aisle, obviously in search of something. There was no denying this child had lost an object, and was in a bit of a panic as he looked up and down each row of the store. I actually overheard him say, "My mom is going to kill me."

Friends, I did nothing. I didn't ask the young fellow what he was looking for. I didn't offer to help him find whatever he had lost. I mean, honestly, I knew what had him afraid. His coat was the same colour as that hood I had picked up, and his was missing. I did nothing! Why? Because a voice inside me said, "Don't worry. He'll see it when he leaves the store. You left it in a visual area that he can't miss." Seriously? What if it had been moved? What if, in this child's fright, he missed seeing it completely? I could have, at that very moment, been the answer to his anxiety, calmed his fear and walked him over to where I had placed his hood. But I didn't, and that memory rises to disappoint me to this day. I did exactly what the scripture verses above warned about; I ignored my responsibility and looked the other way.

We know from the Gospel of Luke we are called to be "Good Samaritans". Jesus defined "neighbour", not only as those who live beside us, but anyone He allows to cross our path. That never-to-be-forgotten encounter is actually just one of others, from many years ago, that now prompts me to act. Oh, I can excuse my behaviour by claiming shyness. I can convince myself the young lad found his hood because I left it so accessible. I can justify keeping silent because I didn't hear him mention a hood. It's so easy to find back doors and escape clauses to condone sin. 

Father, so often You give me eyes to see a need, and in selfishness and disobedience I do nothing. You place me on a path to be the provision to someone's cry for help, and I ignore my responsibility or look the other way. Lord, I confess times I have desperately failed to be Your answer to another's difficulty. You were desiring to use me and I refused to be Your hands and feet. May the heartache of regret not become an unhealthy guilt, but from a place of forgiveness and restoration be the inspiration and encouragement to respond differently in any opportunities of undeserved grace You gift me in the days and years ahead.

Reframe Fear

"Then the officers will also say, 'Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else." Deuteronomy 20:8

"Is anyone here afraid or worried?" Is your hand raised? I confess mine is.

Anyone familiar with the Christian classic "Hinds Feet on High Places" knows the main character in this allegory of a believer's life is called "Much Afraid". Although I don't desire those two words to define who I am, they do mark most of my life. Like the forlorn, young protagonist in the story I am often filled with more angst than I'd like to admit. Fear has had far too much freedom in my life.

I really do believe there were many things I was taught to fear as a child. I grew up under the shadow of my mother's fears. The inventory is long, but dogs, travel by plane, and thunderstorms probably top the list. Then there were fears that grew from experiences. You don't have to be held captive in a stationary elevator for long before you always look for the stairs, regardless of how many floors you may have to climb. But, what about the fears you can't get around, avoid or manage? You know the ones. Maybe they involve worries about health, my biggest nemesis. They could include family concerns of loved ones in situations that you have no control over. Restless, sleepless nights reveal fright.

I'll tell you, I've known the Lord personally for over 50 years. You would think by now my trust would have grown to the place of rest, not worry. Why is anxiety still so often my default? Believe me, it's not that I don't claim scripture and begin reciting every "fear not" Bible verse, imploring the Lord to fill me with His peace. It's also not that I haven't seen Him provide countless times in the past. He has never failed me yet, and I know His Word to be true. So why? Why am I still so often overwhelmed by fear and worry?

I remember facilitating a Bible study years ago and the topic of fear was being addressed. I will never forget the response of one of the attendees. With confidence she shared that she is never afraid. Never! I recall others in the group mentioning scenarios they felt for sure would cause her to admit some trepidation, but her testimony adhered to a life unhindered by fear. Although I believe this is what God desires, I honestly looked at her in disbelief, amazement and envy. I long for my life to give witness to the assurance I claim I have in the Lord's care for me.

Fear contradicts faith. It denies the sovereignty of God. With the number of repetitions of "do not fear" throughout the Bible, we know two things: we will, but we shouldn't. On our own we can't overcome the worries that awaken us in the night, but God has given us resources to battle this emotional enemy. Fear increases when its source is our focus. To prevail over it we need to meditate on God's promises, presence and power. We need to recognize fear as a catalyst to draw us near to God.

I'm thrilled for the friend I mentioned who never is afraid, but I personally believe it will always exist for me this side of eternity. I don't deny God could miraculously remove all fear from my heart and mind, and I can testify to areas in my life that used to threaten and no longer hold me captive. I think I need to reframe fear. May it's rising be a reminder to rest in the Lord. So, when my physical heart begins racing or skipping beats, may I look to the One who holds each moment of every day in His hands and trust in Him completely.

In closing, did you see what happened to the fearful in our text today? They weren't given a reprimand, they were simply removed from service. That might seem like a safe escape clause, not having to march into battle, but they also forfeited being used by God and seeing His victory. Something for us all to ponder.

Grabbing My Running Shoes

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!" Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV)

Several years ago, a dear friend Elizabeth and I, assisted my sister Japhia as she gave leadership to a children's choir. "His Little Kids" was a precious group of 4- and 5-year-olds who would weekly gather to sing together while their mommies and daddies attended a discipleship group at the church. These youngers were also being discipled through truths in song.

I was always amazed at how much these children could retain! And so quickly! Incorporated into these 90 minutes, approximately 25 little ones would make a craft that coordinated with the theme of the evening, participate in an activity that reinforced the teaching, enjoy a time of prayer, and learn some scripture memorization. Ninety minutes is a long time for this age group, so to keep their attention the evening kept moving!

One of the Bible passages my sister chose for these children to learn was Psalm 100. She added motions to each phrase to aid in memory, as well as to visually depict the truth being taught. When it came to the sentence, "Come before His presence with singing", my sister wanted to convey the delight and desire of approaching the Lord with enthusiasm. She wanted them to understand the excitement of being able to be in God's presence. In order to best display this eagerness of coming to the Lord, she had the children running in place as they recited these words. It was adorable to watch their little legs racing while staying in one spot. Their arms would be pumping and their feet pounding the ground as they ran with fury and hurry!

Each Sunday she would ask for volunteers who wanted to help lead this part of the evening. There were always multiple hands raised in response. I'll never forget the night that one precious child led Psalm 100. In loud voice and with crystal clear diction this is what they said: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. RUN into His presence with singing." Honestly, it was the most adorable slip of the tongue, but it caused all three leaders to pause. 

How do we enter God's presence? Do we reluctantly pick up God's Word to spend time with Him? Is it a struggle to find minutes in our schedule to intentionally come before Him? Do we gladly and zealously reach for our Bibles, anticipating what and how He will speak to us every time we open the scriptures? Are we bored or is God adored as our hungry and thirsty hearts yearn for His nearness and filling? Do we have a deep longing to know Him intimately? Is He so completely the passion of our soul that we will do whatever it takes to read His Word and sit awhile with Him?

Today I encourage you to evaluate your response to your Heavenly Father's invitation to spend time with Him. Your reluctance or excitement indicate your true inclination and desperation. Maybe we need to confess our lack of desire and ask the Lord to renew our passion. Lord, fill our inner being with gladness, joy and singing. It's possible that some of us may need to lace up our running shoes as an act of our fervour to be with Him. Let's run into His presence today because we just can't wait to praise and magnify our Lord!

A Test You Can't Afford to Fail

"Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future...If they then say, 'Come, let us worship other gods' - gods you have not known before - do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love Him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him." Deuteronomy 13:1-4

How committed are you to the Lord? What would it take to cause your thoughts and heart to be enticed away from following Him? I'm always shocked and saddened when I hear the name of someone who has turned their back on the Lord, especially when it's a friend who had portrayed a strong commitment and love for Him. By all outward appearances they had been deeply devoted to Christ. They led Bible studies. They held prominent roles in their local church fellowship. They continually brought the Lord into their conversations. They shared God stories of His goodness. They went on mission trips, prayed, gave of their time, finances and resources to further God's Kingdom. Suddenly they appear to do a complete 180 turnaround and they no longer want anything to do with worship or the Word. They don't just lose enthusiasm and become complacent; they begin condemning the truths they once held so dear. What happens? How can they go from abiding in Him to abandoning their faith?

In Deuteronomy 13, God warns the Israelites through Moses not to be led astray from following the Lord. Like the false prophets who pretended to have divine inspiration, there are a number of different ways that can call our "prone to wander hearts" to stray. It really doesn't have to take much. The combination of exact time, emotions, silence, withdrawal, adversity and doubt can create the perfect storm in our thoughts and heart, convincing us to seek other solutions. Our standard of truth shifts to self. Once that happens, we become cynics of true Christianity and we deaden our own conscious from hearing and receiving truth.

Some call this "deconstructing". This is a word that many use now to speak of re-examining and re-thinking faith that can lead to rejecting the beliefs previously held so dear. It's a hard word to accurately define as it carries different concepts in different contexts. Deconstruction may bring someone to the point of no longer identifying as a believer, resulting in a "deconversion", or it may not. This is not just experiencing doubt or wresting to understand theology. By an honest, earnest seeker, both of those can result in a stronger more robust faith. A complete deconstruction is not just a "dark night of the soul". It's deeper. It's dangerous. It's allowing questions to so profoundly confuse that it brings a former, professing, evangelical Christian to a place of denying Christ, as their faith is critically dismantled.

What would it take to lead you away from God? Don't be too quick to think it couldn't happen. I'm sure the friends whose names come to my mind didn't intentionally just wake up one day and decide to renounce their faith. Little by little compromises were made and absolutes became suggestions. Instead of taking their inquiries, uncertainties and despondency to the Lord, they gave room for the enemy to use worldly influences to speak louder than His Word.

Dear friend, don't listen to the call of the world. As Moses writes, fear God alone. Truly love Him with all your heart and soul. Serve Him only. Obey His commands. Listen to His voice. Cling to Him. These are ongoing actions that will protect you as you pursue the Lord with all your might. It's an arrogant assumption to presume you can make it on your own. Purge your life from anything that rises as a "personal prophet" enticing you away from intimacy with the Father and say with the hymn writer, "Though none go with me, still I will follow."

*If you are currently in a season of struggle, I suggest reading "Fractured Faith: Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction" by Dr. Lina Abujamra; Moody Publishers; Copyright 2021