It Takes a Little Time Sometimes...

Exodus 34:1-7 (Click on reference to read text)

We are a people of quick fixes and immediate results, but repentance takes work. Moses was initially handed the two stone tablets straight from the hand of God (Ex 31:18). Yet after He broke them on a rock (Ex 32:15-19), he begged God for a second chance. God, who is compassionate and full of grace, was willing to give Moses a second chance, but first He commanded Moses to "cut for yourself two stone tablets like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered" (vs. 1). Moses wasn't just given a second set. He had to work for them. He had to cut another set out of stone first.

How many times have we found ourselves in a mess and knew it was going to take the hand of the Lord to deliver us? We may cry out to the Lord, ask forgiveness and believe the Scriptures: That the Lord is compasionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Ex 34:6), that "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9 ) and "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Ps 103:12)

However, we get frustrated when things don't immediately iron out, our troubles don't disappear, and things seem just as messy as before we cried out to God. God is a God of second chances, but there are going to be consequences for our actions. Sometimes the road of repentance is long and hard. God is not the Navy Seals who will simply come in and rescue you. His purpose for you goes beyond a "rescue operation." His purpose is to make you more like Him and sometimes He does that through the long road of recovery from the bad choices we make. Just know that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Ps 34:18). Rest in the truth "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning" (Ps 30:5).

When you relinquish control of your life to Him, He may require you to take the first step. That is okay. Start rebuilding and all the while know, you are not walking alone, you are forgiven, and eventually you will see how God will take your mess ups and turn them around for your good and His glory (Ro 8:28)."

Remember Isaiah's prophesy about our Lord... Jesus will "comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."(Isaiah 61:2-3)

He Has a Hold On You!

Isaiah 42:6 , Isaiah 41:13 , Psalm 37:23-35 , Psalm 16:8 , Psalm 139 (focus on vs. 10) (Click on references to read text)

My three year old and I were standing on the edge of the seashore as the waves were ferociously crashing at our feet. She took hold of my hand and held on as tightly as she could, but I quickly had her let go and I took hold of her hand. I knew she wasn't strong enough to hold on when the waves came crashing on the shore. However, I was VERY confident in my ability to hold on to her.

The Bible says in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33) and if you have lived longer than about 18 months, I am sure you will heartily agree! There are times in our life where we feel the troubles are crashing one after another, just like the waves on the seashore. We can easily become overwhelmed, easily feel like we are drowning, and quickly grow fatigued. However, our security is not dependent upon how tightly we can hold on! Our security and safety is not at all dependent on our abilities to cling to God.

Over and over, Scripture promises us that the Lord will take hold of our hand. Just like I grabbed hold of my daughter's hand, your Heavenly Father is holding tightly onto yours. When the waves become too strong for you and threaten to knock you down, He who commands the winds and the waves (Luke 8:25) takes hold of your hand and He will never let go.

Are you trying to stand on your own strength? Do you feel like you are sinking? Just like my three year old, allow your Heavenly Father to firmly grasp a hold of your hand. You too will soon find yourself laughing and kicking against the waves and resting in the safety of His presence.