Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou SimonsSample

When I look to the Bible, God’s Word written to us and for us, I see example after example of how God intentionally leads his people through their impossible current circumstances rather than providing a shortcut around them. Perhaps the most poignant picture of this is in Exodus 14.

God had led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, which was a grand display of his power and care. But then Pharaoh changed his mind about letting his slave force go and sent his army after the Israelites. God’s people were stopped at the Red Sea while the Egyptians were gaining on them. The end of their flight from captivity seemed imminent—until God instructed Moses to trust him with the way through. . .

God, in his power, could’ve easily diverted the enemy, slowed them down, or given the Israelites a way around the impossible obstacle, but instead, he chose to take them through it. He intentionally allowed his people to face an overwhelming circumstance and cry out to him. Why? Because the God of the universe wanted to make a way through for his people. He wanted to put his purpose on display. He wanted to show them that he provides a way where there seems to be no way. . .

The Israelites knew well this story of God’s rescue. And we, living on the other side of the cross of Christ, know that God ultimately fulfilled his promise to redeem forever all who believe in Christ from the bondage and oppression of sin and death. God made a way through Jesus, “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), the only way back to the presence of the Father. He made a way so that we could have true rest from chasing after all we think we must do or have in order to be satisfied.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for allowing me to have a relationship with you, and thank you for giving me true rest. Please continue to show me through your Word that you are always there for me. Amen.