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As we continue our study in the Story Bible, we come to the story of Moses. Previously we studied the miraculous events of Joseph’s life that brought Jacob and his twelve sons to Egypt. We will see that Jacob’s family will grow into a nation while in Egypt. But we will also see a plot twist. The nation of Israel will become a threat to Egypt.
In this case, God’s purpose, or the “Higher Story” as Pastor Randy Frazee calls it, includes a new Pharaoh. Exodus 1:8-10 (NIV) “Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
God often brings changes of circumstances to fulfill His purpose. But we need to be aware that God is working out His will for our lives. Some time ago, we were listening to an episode of the Christian radio show: “Family Life Today”. The episode featured an interview with Shane Samford who is a HIV positive pastor from Gulf Breeze, FL. Pastor Shane contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received around the time of his 16th birthday to treat childhood Hemophilia. Pastor Shane points out that when we live with regret we live in the “if” of the following scripture verse. We are alive, Pastor Shane points out, but we live like we are dead. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21 NIV
To continue Pastor Shane’s point, we say to God “if” when we encounter difficult circumstances. Jesus was crying not for Lazarus but for Lazarus’ friends and family who ignored Eternal Life to focus on the circumstances. We all agree that circumstances are important, but let’s not be so overwhelmed by the circumstances to see what God is doing in our lives every day. In order to see Him, we will need to look up from our circumstances to our deliverance. Change your perspective and look to God.
We love you
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
Do you need Prayer? Reach out to us at [email protected]
