Scripture:
Exodus 9:19-21 ESV
[19] Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them.”’” [20] Then whoever feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses, [21] but whoever did not pay attention to the word of the Lord left his slaves and his livestock in the field.
Observation:
The LORD GOD had given several warnings before big events happened in Egypt through Moses. This one was no different. Telling the people to get their animals and people in from the field, some listened and some didn’t. It’s the distinction between the 2 that caught my attention. Some of them had seen what had already happened and took the warning. Others were putting their faith in false pride. They went on as if nothing was going to happen. The ones who feared what had been said made preparations and were spared suffering. The others did not and well you know the story. They suffered more loss.
Application:
Looking at the path of my life. I can see how this scripture plays out. I don’t mind living my life in full view because I believe that is how GOD’s power is seen. It’s in my weaknesses that HE deliverance is made evident. In my younger days, people in my life would tell me about the Bible, and I would say yes I believe in GOD. However, I would go on living the way I was. Not making any changes. My father would warn me and I would cast off that warning, and find myself in jail, or another broken relationship, or even homeless again. My pride was an issue, and it had to be broken. Others would tell me what the word of GOD said and I would try to put it into action and changes would happen. Mind you it was a slow process. But my pride was being dealt with. The real change happened when I fell in love with GOD’s word. I started reading it and trying to find out for myself what it said and how to apply it. You know I see GOD’s warnings now when HE says something there is always a reason. HE has brought sin out of my life. Don’t get me wrong (and I am not trying to make provision for my flesh when I say this) I’m not perfect. However, when GOD warns me I pay attention now. HE sees what I can’t. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 says if my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways I will heal their land. GOD gives us HIS word for a reason it is not HIS will that any should go to the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. HE wants everyone to come to repentance. My life is different now and it started with falling in love with GOD’s word. What was ok in the beginning is not ok now. When GOD gives me a warning about something I have done or am doing I take it seriously and make changes.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your word, and thank you for the grace that you mold and shape us with. Over the years I have seen how you have given me a warning about areas of my life that need work, and I pray to thank you for changing me. I want to be more like your sun. I remember some of my prayers in Teen Challenge, and I can see how you are making them come to pass. I just want more of you and less of me. Thank you for leaving my past behind me and removing me from Egypt. I don’t want that life anymore. You have delivered me from it and for that, I am totally grateful. So on this day that the world has set aside for gratitude I want to say thank you Father for delivering me from drug addiction and sin and all the things that go along with it. You have set me free. Thank you. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray amen