Understandable, but Not Justified

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  

I will strengthen you and help you; 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  

 Isaiah 41:10

I don't know about you, but my life is not perfect.  We've had our share of troubles, and just when it seems like we've gotten past one trial something else comes up.  So I can really relate to how the Israelites must have felt.  

 

 

First they escaped from Egypt only to find themselves caught between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea.  God brought them through that trial, but then they found themselves in the desert with no water.  After many more trials, they found themselves at the land of Canaan, their promised destination.  You know the story,  Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land.  All but two of them came back with the report that it was impossible to conquer. 

The Israelites fear was understandable, but not justified, for God had already promised them victory.  

What do we fear that God has already taken care of?  What do we face that is more powerful than our God?  

 

This is my prayer:  God, I want to live a life of trust in you; faith that you will do what you say you will do.  If I believe that you are faithful and that you will take care of me, then why do I live with a spirit of fear?  What is there that my God cannot do?  What is too big for you?  What is beyond your control?  Nothing!!!  

I surrender everything to your control  You love me and promise to take care of me.  It might not be in the way I think, but your ways are not my ways and your thoughts are not like mine.  I will trust you.

I will put myself in position to let you shine; to be used by you.  I can do nothing.  I am weak, but you are strong.  I am full of doubt, but you are sure.  I am fearful, but you are fearless.  I am selfish; you are selfless.  I am yours.  Make me into your image.  Chisel away everything of me so all that's left is you.   Amen