Every time I begin to read the Old Testament through and come to the wilderness experience in the desert, the picture I have in my mind is that of a dry and barren land with no trees, no vegetation, and very little provision of any kind. Now knowing a little bit about history, I know that nomadic people are very resourceful, but when I come to the part in Exodus where Moses was told to erect the tabernacle and look at the specific details, and the specific materials that God was requiring, I get a little dumbfounded. All of these things were in the wilderness? I know that the Israelites “plundered the Egyptians” before they left – but did they have all these things, or were they somehow there in the wilderness, in the desert? This is one of the first things I am going to ask when I get “home’ – after praising God for making it in of course!
Just read those chapters in Exodus for yourself, but even if you get lost in the details, this one scripture stands out:
30 And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain. Exodus 26:30 (KJV)
God was emphatic in His instruction to Moses, and knowing God the way I do, He doesn’t ask us to something that is not in our ability to do it – and for which He always makes provision!
It gives me to know that if God gives vision, He also gives PROvision – even in the desert of our lives. I can attest to that on a limited scale – because I have story after story of how God miraculously provided for my growing family during some very difficult times. But just this morning, it came into my spirit, how often when I attempt to do something for God, that I always count to see whether there is enough in my own personal resources to see that project through. Today that checking to see, is over!
I am believing God for some things He has shown me and I am declaring that I will believe that this great Jehovah-Jireh that I know and serve, will make the way – it will not come out of my resources, except my tithe – for He is more than able to bring the resources that are needed.
This is comforting – not frightening, as once I would have to admit to. I am so glad that He is teaching me day by day to leave the pressure to Him. It’s been a long road and I am not saying that I have fully arrived – but it feels so good to be on the road again.
This morning I was sharing with someone and I heard the words of an old song by Andrae Crouch that still means so much to me:
“(Chorus)
Take me back, take me back dear Lord
To the place where I first believed you.
Take me back, take me back dear Lord where I
first believe.
(Verse)
I feel that I’m so far from you Lord
But still I hear you calling me
Those simple things that I once knew,
The memories are drawing me.
I must confess, Lord I’ve been blessed
But yet my soul’s not satisfied.
Renew my faith, restore my joy
And dry my weeping eyes… “
Words and Music by Andrae Crouch
God Bless You,
Maria