The children of Israel had become quite content in Egypt. They grew and became very prosperous as we are told in Exodus 1:7. “And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.” This was not the promised land God promised to Abraham. However, the people were happy and rejoicing. They had forgotten who they really were: a people chosen by God for a promise. That is, until a new ruler over Egypt took reign. He removed their privileged status and forced them into slavery. In this state of slavery, the children of Israel were forced to turn to God, seeking His help. They would have to learn to trust once more in the Sovereignty of God. When our lives are filled with only good things, we forget this is not our promised land either.
All too often, we forget God’s Grace and His Sovereign Will when life is easy. Look at the apostles crossing the sea of Galilee as accounted in Mark 4. They were content to leave Jesus sleeping in the corner of the boat; until a storm came. How often do we do the same! Content not to talk with God, nor read His word, until a storm comes into our lives. Never thinking about the other shore to which we are traveling, content to steer our boats and treating God as though He is asleep. So, God allows the trials, sorrows, and disappoints to enter our lives that we might be awakened to our need of Him. He reminds us that He is Sovereign over our lives, and His plan is for something so much grander than we could ever imagine.
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD OVER THE STORMS OF LIFE
When the apostles cried for help, Jesus calmed the storm with one sentence, “Peace, be still.” In the case of the children of Israel, God preserved and placed Moses exactly where He wanted him. And when, the time was right, when the people cried out to God; God appeared to Moses from a burning bush in the desert. Every minute detail was prepared by God. As He proclaimed to Moses, tell them “I AM” sent you. I AM. The great, almighty, Sovereign God who created and rules over everything will free you from your bondage. Their contentment and complacency over the years prior did not negate His Will from being accomplished. Neither did their moaning and sin when in the desert thwart His plan to bring the children of Israel to the promised land.
Despite all His Displays of His Might and Sovereignty to the people, many did die along that journey, never fully trusting God. Just as He brought His chosen people to the promised land, He will one day accomplish all He planned for them under the millennial reign of Christ one day. God will accomplish all that He has promised for Israel and He will accomplish all that He has planned for you and me. Even if that means we walk through many trials and storms to get there.
Isaiah 46:9-13
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
How to Trust in the Sovereignty of God
As I so often write, “Faith is KNOWING God IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” as pointed out in Hebrews 11:6. If I know God is Sovereignty and nothing happens apart from His Design, I can trust Him with every detail of my life. That doesn’t mean I do not pray; rather, it means I do. To seek Him means I want to know Him more. The only way to do that is by reading His word and spending time alone with Him.
Regardless of the storms I face, my life song should be a song of praise and worship. Because I know He is Sovereign and His Plan is best, I see the trials as stepping stones to His Glory. He displayed His Love and Grace for me on the cross. I can trust Him who redeemed me from the bondage of sin. He called me to be His Redeemed, Blessed, Beloved Child. That is all I need to know to trust Him with the rest. He will accomplish all that He has planned and promised in me and through me; because of His Sovereignty.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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Recently released Books Available
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ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.