Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The Way Through It

So.  I'm always amazed when I see things that help me to understand a problem.  I had more insight to a couple's marriage when the husband and I ended up being at the same place at the same time.  Even in the darkness of the night, I recognized him and could see he was with someone else . . . holding hands and kissing her. . . well, until he saw me.  Considering who I was with and our surroundings, I did not have a conversation with him, but we made eye contact.  I called him the next day; we had a serious talk about the decision to walk in the darkness or the light of God, the need to confess, the power of forgiveness, and the gift of grace.
I know it was NOT a random encounter.  The thing is . . . when we are doing what God has purposed for us to do . . . there's nothing random about our lives.  Each moment counts.  God uses all things, each moment, to bring about good. 
Consider a verse to memorize:
 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28, NLT).

When we take a moment and review life, when we feel weak and vulnerable, when we feel we're at a dead-end, when we believe there's no way out of our situation, it's possible to rest, knowing God is at work, despite what we've done or not done, bringing all things together for good.   God will provide a way through every situation.  And. Sometimes the way He provides seems to be impossible.  But. When we choose to go the way God has purposed for us to go, we're able to have confidence there's a way through it.

Look back into the ancient days when the Israelites were enslaved, they saw life through the power of oppression and darkness, making all things seem to be impossible.  When they finally escaped, they came to the edge of the Red Sea with their oppressors chasing after them.  It looked like nothing had changed, the way through it seemed impossible.  At first glance, it would've seemed smarter to go back to the way it was, to go back to their oppressors and live in the darkness of enslavement.  But.  God is our Redeemer and Restorer; Moses was empowered to show the people the way God had provided:  "Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land" (Exodus 14: 21, NLT).

It does not make sense that God would provide the Red Sea as a way out of oppression.  But.  God works all things together for good, providing a way through all places we find ourselves in, including the deep waters and dark valleys of our life.  It's a choice to step onto the path, trusting God to hold the water and not let go.
Stop.
Seek God today.
Confess where you've been, what you've done, and how much you need God.
Trust God to work all things together for good.
Believe God will provide a way through every circumstance.
Walk in the power of God today.
Learning to Kickstart the day walking in the Way,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)