Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Walk in The Word: God's Story of Redemption

Bible Study 2/15/10
Reading Passages: Exodus, chapters 1-28

What is faith, and how you can be sure that you've got it? Faith can best be described as a difficult race (Hebrews 12:1-2), keeping your eyes on the finish line, refusing to give up. This week, as our staff has been reading through the story of how God freed the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, I was reminded of how adoption is like a faith-based "race."

Faith to let go!
In chapters 3 & 4, God handpicked Moses into a leadership role, in order that His chosen people would be freed from slavery. Moses was reluctant, doubting his abilities as a leader. But God equipped Moses with everything he would need to carry out God's will. Is God calling you to care for the orphans? He will equip you to do what He has called you to do. When God calls, we must respond with action!

Faith to go into the unknown!
In chapter 14, God performed a great miracle - once again, providing for His people in a mighty way. In a spectacular display of His glory, God parted the Red Sea so that the Israelites could walk through on dry land, allowing them to escape Pharaoh and his army. Faith sometimes requires that we go into the unknown - take a risk and allow Him to work through us so that His power will be displayed.
Faith to wait!
Chapter 16 proves that faith sometimes requires us to wait. God provided manna and quail every day for His people, forcing them to depend soley upon Him for their survival. Adoption requires a great deal of patience, and an even greater dependence on God to deliver the results.

Faith to the fullest!
When God gave the law to His people through His servant Moses (chapters 19-20), He expected them to be obedient. We, too, are required to be obedient to God's calling. He loves us and desires for us to have a full and abundant life. Please be obedient to what God is calling you to do!

A Christian life does not guarantee a life of luxury, but instead, requires a constant commitment to believe in Christ - against all odds. A great prize is ahead for those who persevere and finish the race. "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith." (Hebrews 10:36-37)

My prayer is that you will be encouraged and strengthened today!
Looking to Him,
Deanna Crist

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