BLOGGER TEMPLATES - TWITTER BACKGROUNDS

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

POV Wednesday - Mercy


When a troublesome roadblock presents itself, how do you react?

Complaining?

Fear?

Anger?

Offense?

Anything frustrating our plans and desires can sting like a splinter or burn like a dagger blade. Either way, it’s usually uncomfortable and we don’t like the delay, detour or what seems like a dead end.

The Israelites encountered frustrating events even in the midst of their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They went from bondage to the barren wilderness when they thought they were headed to the Promised Land.

Well, I guess I’ve never read this carefully. I always thought they ended up in the wilderness because of their sin. But that’s not true – at least not to start with.

They were headed to the Promised Land, but not in the way they expected because God planned it that way.

Yep, He led them purposefully into the wilderness.

While His action may be construed as unkind, it’s actually a display of His great MERCY.

How?

He’s good enough to tell us. Exodus 13:17-18 reads:

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, ‘If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led them a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.

This passage tells us so much! God doesn’t always lead us the shortest or most direct route. He displayed great mercy by protecting His people from fierce, deadly battles with the Philistine giants. And He loved them so much, He didn’t want them to return to slavery. He wanted them to experience the Paradise He destined them for. He also led them toward another barrier, the Red Sea, but only to show His glory and might by performing another stunning miracle.

Think of your own journey. Can you see God’s mercy? I promise you, it’s there.

Be blessed, Dry Ground friends! And remember, take God at His Word!

(photo by photobucket.com)

1 comments:

emiley said...

Good stuff!