Note from my heart:
Hello readers,
Here is an update on my readings. I’m currently making my way through the beginning of the Old Testament. Unlike other times when I’ve started this, I’m reading without a goal or expectation in mind of how many chapters I have to read or when I should try to finish by. In the past when I’ve put expectations on myself, I tend to rush through and get discouraged when I’m behind what I originally planned. By pushing back on the inclination to make deadlines, I’ve been able to read whatever pace to get the most out of learning and reading, and I believe God has blessed that.
This week I read through the book of Leviticus. I had finished the book of Exodus and enjoyed the stories of God’s creation, the ways He provided, and how He continues to promise to provide. When starting Leviticus, I prayed that God would open my eyes to new truth, that He would teach me more about who He is and about His people. Wow, in a book that I previous believed was all standards and specifics of rules, He answered that prayer and showed me things I’ve never noticed before in my reading of Leviticus.
I realized that God has a detailed and plan ordered view! God, you like details too?! Sweet! To go into all those details of what He wanted His people to build, the material it should be out of, the measurements and sizes, the way it should be made, and explanations on how to do it… wow! Something I’ve been reflecting on during my time in college is the fact that God’s plan for my life is far better than any plan I could create for myself. When I believe this and trust this, I can trust Him better with my life as I fix my eyes on the day to day rather than future.
Have you ever had those moments where you’d had to delegate part of a project or have someone else coming into your work or home to complete something for you? You may feel anxious and a little worried inside wondering, will they get the work done? Will it be done right? Will I like the end result? What if it turns out wrong? I know I’ve thought this way in a variety of situations. What I’ve learned is that you have to trust this other person or team that they know what they’re doing, they will try their best, and in the end, everything will turn out okay.
What happens when who you’re trusting in is a perfect, all-knowing, wonderful, loving, and trustworthy Lord? And one who is specific and cares about each piece of your life, every day, every moment, every relationship. He cares about each breath and every step you take. How can I not trust Him? Who else could I trust my whole life with?
He also states again and again, “I am the Lord, your God” and “And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses”. I’m amazed and reminded of the consistent obedience that people like Moses had. Moses was a man who asked a lot of questions and had doubts at times…and that was okay! God continued to use him in some incredible ways. I can definitely relate to having a lot of questions – always wondering what if? Or why? Or if this happens, then wouldn’t this happen? Or what does this mean? Or God do you really want to use me? Am I really good enough for this? The reality is I’m not good enough. I’m not qualified with the most knowledge, most wisdom, or best ability in the land. Who am I to go and speak? To go and share my story? I’m not perfect. It’s not about who I am. It’s about who God is and how He wants to move through each and every one of us. I may not speak or write in the most clear, condensed ways…and that’s okay! God doesn’t ask me to be perfect, to know exact what I’m going to say, or how to respond. What He asks for is obedience.
He asks that we walk in the ways of the Lord. Trust in His plan and walk step by step. I love this passage of truth from Leviticus 26: 11-13.
“ I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.”
He speaks about bringing them out of Egypt. Just as He brought the Israelites out of Egypt; He is continuing to bring you out… out of slavery, out of the pressure to confirm, out of the plaques, out of the darkness, out from the fear and worry that you experience. He is bringing you to the land of milk and honey. He promises, and He doesn’t break His promises. He wants to provide you with peace. Peace that passes all understanding. He promises to walk beside you. Sometimes we have to just remind ourselves to look up.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the mud we are trudging through that we forget we are still on the move. There is a path ahead. There is more to come. There is light coming after this night. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. A wise woman in Mechanicsburg shared with me more about this verse. She brought up the image of a lamp. If it’s dark outside and I’m holding a lamp, what can I really see? It’s dark, and all I can see at times is just the one step in front of me. Sometimes this is all we see. One step ahead, one step at a time. God wants to be with us in that one step, trusting Him to continue to walk ahead and beside us as we know He has a plan in mind.
I’m really loving the song “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship. The words are so true as I sing and praise Him. I’ve seen Him move some pretty big mountains and at times wait for Him to move some others. I’ve seen His faithfulness in the day to day moments, the life changing times, and transformations. The song is true, the night won’t last, His plan willcome to pass. As I stand here, the summer of 2018, and see what step is in front of me… I can’t help but sing:
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
God bless,
Madison Riley
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