I love the idea that I can control my world. My children, my home, my finances. The reality is, over the last several months, I’ve been in a season where God has been reminding me regularly that control is an illusion. My kingdom, the world that I hold close and want to be in control of, is very much out of my control.
There are four really big storms simultaneously brewing in my life right now that consistently leave me talking to people with whom I’d rather not be speaking: attorneys, caseworkers, hospital staff, insurance adjusters, construction contractors. In these moments, I have a choice. I can focus on my kingdom and fight for what I feel is best for my family, what we “deserve,” or, I can remember the truth of Moses’ words in Exodus 14:14, where he reminds the Israleites that God would fight for them. When I focus on those words, I don’t have to fight so hard. Instead, I can lean into the conversations and view them as opportunities to be a light and point people to Jesus while trusting God with the outcome. Don’t get me wrong, I still advocate wholeheartedly for my family, but when I do it in such a way that demonstrates grace, compassion, and empathy, then I can simultaneously share Jesus and work to grow God’s Kingdom.
The verse I mentioned above is one that I have been holding close.
“The Lord will fight for you, you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14
These words are spoken by Moses in an effort to encourage the Israelites at a time when they are desperately afraid. They are surrounded by mountains, water, and the Egyptian army, trapped and certain they are going to die. Little did they know that God would protect them by performing a miracle that they never could have fathomed. He parted the Red Sea and allowed them to walk to the other side on dry land.
I don’t know how any of the situations in my life are going to pan out, just like the Israelites didn’t really know how God would come through for them. But He did come through, and the result is a story that we still turn to today for encouragement. This didn’t make it less terrifying and emotional for them, but on the other side of their struggle, God wins, and the Kingdom grows.
As you go through the day, consider how the conversations you’re having might become Kingdom (God) focused vs. kingdom (me) focused. How can you point others to the hope we have in Jesus today, in spite of your circumstances?
Side note: When we are in tough seasons, God does want us to continue to be a light, but he also wants us to bring our concerns to him! God was not angry with the Israelites for being afraid – just like he is not angry at my tears or my prayers for him to intervene in hard circumstances. God loves us, and he wants us to bring it ALL to him. Never be afraid to pray.