This is Done Because...
On May 9, I celebrated the 25th anniversary of my salvation date. I remember that day so clearly – I remember the fear I felt when my friend started telling me about what the Bible says, and then the calm that came over me as “a still, small voice said, “its okay to listen Terrie, it’s the Bible.” I remember the “joy unspeakable” I felt as I was driving home from my friend’s house KNOWING I was on my way to heaven. So much has happened since that time – so many changes have occurred in my life and my family.
Some of the changes that have occurred obviously would have happened anyway because of time; but there are so many changes that happened specifically because of what Christ did in my life. Some of the changes the Lord has made in me – some things I have changed by decision after being convicted by the Holy Spirit. The Lord has worked and created a new heart in me; He has made me a new creature in Christ.
This morning as I was reading my Bible I read the following verse, “And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:8. After reading from that verse I thought of the many times I have been asked about why I live the way I do, why I dress the way I dress, and why I avoid things that many people embrace…and I have given the answer that I live the way I live because of what the Lord has done for me over and over through the years.
Egypt is symbolic of the “world” and when the Lord brought them out of Egypt it is a picture of salvation. God provided the salvation and those that did not believe could not enter the Promised Land, but instead wandered in the wilderness until they died. “But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:17-19. These people were all saved out of Egypt (from the world), but they refused to trust God enough to rest in Him.
Similarly today, salvation has been purchased by the blood of Christ, and those that truly believe are saved as were the children of Israel when God brought them out of Egypt. The ones that could not enter "into His rest" didn’t believe God enough to allow Him to make changes in their lives. They were the ones that didn’t trust God to give them the victory; they murmured when they couldn’t see an easy answer to their problems…they had no faith and it was evidenced by their lack of trust in God. They had just witnessed all the miracles God had done in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and yet they wanted to go back to being slaves because of the food they enjoyed and the security they had in their jobs and homes. They didn’t like the changes; they were “uncomfortable.”
Many new Christians fear the changes that Salvation may bring because they are just like the children of Israel – they want to hold on to things they have enjoyed even if it means they are in bondage. If that is you, may I say that in Christ there is fulness of joy. I don’t regret a single change that the Lord has made in our lives – I have peace that passes understanding and yes, joy unspeakable, I can rest in God's promises. I can guarantee that living a life resting in God is much more pleasant than wandering in a wilderness.
So my question and challenge to you today ladies, is what things in your life is the Lord asking you to change? What changes in your life will you say, “This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me…?” Ladies, I love you and desire that you may enjoy all that God has for you. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have a wonderful day!
Some of the changes that have occurred obviously would have happened anyway because of time; but there are so many changes that happened specifically because of what Christ did in my life. Some of the changes the Lord has made in me – some things I have changed by decision after being convicted by the Holy Spirit. The Lord has worked and created a new heart in me; He has made me a new creature in Christ.
This morning as I was reading my Bible I read the following verse, “And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:8. After reading from that verse I thought of the many times I have been asked about why I live the way I do, why I dress the way I dress, and why I avoid things that many people embrace…and I have given the answer that I live the way I live because of what the Lord has done for me over and over through the years.
Egypt is symbolic of the “world” and when the Lord brought them out of Egypt it is a picture of salvation. God provided the salvation and those that did not believe could not enter the Promised Land, but instead wandered in the wilderness until they died. “But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:17-19. These people were all saved out of Egypt (from the world), but they refused to trust God enough to rest in Him.
Similarly today, salvation has been purchased by the blood of Christ, and those that truly believe are saved as were the children of Israel when God brought them out of Egypt. The ones that could not enter "into His rest" didn’t believe God enough to allow Him to make changes in their lives. They were the ones that didn’t trust God to give them the victory; they murmured when they couldn’t see an easy answer to their problems…they had no faith and it was evidenced by their lack of trust in God. They had just witnessed all the miracles God had done in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and yet they wanted to go back to being slaves because of the food they enjoyed and the security they had in their jobs and homes. They didn’t like the changes; they were “uncomfortable.”
Many new Christians fear the changes that Salvation may bring because they are just like the children of Israel – they want to hold on to things they have enjoyed even if it means they are in bondage. If that is you, may I say that in Christ there is fulness of joy. I don’t regret a single change that the Lord has made in our lives – I have peace that passes understanding and yes, joy unspeakable, I can rest in God's promises. I can guarantee that living a life resting in God is much more pleasant than wandering in a wilderness.
So my question and challenge to you today ladies, is what things in your life is the Lord asking you to change? What changes in your life will you say, “This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me…?” Ladies, I love you and desire that you may enjoy all that God has for you. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have a wonderful day!
I enjoy reading tender touch just think if it you have not gotten safe none of us would be were we are today safe and on our way to Heaven, your husband would not be a Pastor or your brother , and all your children would not be serving the LORD. So thank you for your faithfulness..love Mom.
ReplyDelete