I’ve begun reading through the Bible using a free iPhone app called YouVersion. You may choose from an impressive number of reading plans and Bible versions. If you want to search for a particular verse or post comments online, no problem.
This week, as I read both the Bible and news accounts of the unrest in Egypt on my phone, ancient and modern life converge in the story of the Exodus —- that well-known trek into the desert Moses made with his fellow Israelites. You may recall that the people of Israel had long been dominated by the powerful Egyptians, whose enslavement had caused great suffering and prevented them from worshiping God in freedom.
Dive into the book of Exodus and you will rediscover that God went to great lengths, not only to convince the Egyptians that the Israelites should be released, but that He was powerful.
To prove the point, God sent to Pharaoh and his people a series of horrific plagues that include the Nile River turning to blood; frog, gnat, locust and fly infestation; the death of enormous numbers of livestock; outbreaks of boils on people and animals; hail storms; and unexplained darkness.
When Pharaoh continued to deny their release, God brought death upon every Egyptian firstborn, whether man or beast, during one long, terrible night. Only then did Pharaoh finally release Moses and his people.
It’s a story filled with brutality and terror. But rather than focusing on all those astonishing plagues, perhaps the most interesting aspect of this account is the fact that Mosses and his band of followers were willing to head into a desert with no map or plan, only the clear sense that God was with them and had worked mightily on their behalf.
I hold a burning desire to see the hand of God in my life in real and practical ways, don’t you? I want to have a clear sense —- a blessed assurance —- that God is working and moving, even today.
Not only do I long to see evidence of God, but I long to be like Moses. I want to have a heart that is wiling to try new things and go new places even though I feel unworthy, unprepared, and a bit untrusting at moments.
I want God to build in me courage, knowing that He may not reveal every step needed, but will give me all I need in little pieces.
Author A. W. Tozer encourages us to “constantly practice the habit of inwardly gazing upon God.” He goes on to explain that there can develop within you a “secret communion always going on.”
It is nothing scary or mystical. It will be as wonderful as the name of a friend suddenly coming to mind, a prayer whispered with little thought, the lyrics of an encouraging song spontaneously springing forth as you drive in the car. It’s seeing friends rallying around you, encouraging and building your spirits.
May the joy of looking for God be a joy, and may we see God work in startling new ways this week, simply because we are looking.
Reach Joan Bay Klope at faithfulliving@hotmail.com.
