Morning by Morning

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Bible Reading

  • Exodus 14-15
  • Proverbs 16
  • Mark 4:35-41

Devotional and Prayer 

What is God’s plan for today? When God said in Rom 8:28-29 that He “works everything out for our good,” how do you picture Him doing that? In Exodus 14:4 we see how God planned to do that for Israel. Here’s what God told Moses, “Once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole troop. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” (Ex 14:4) 

So, let me get this straight. God’s plan was to have His people, defenseless, sitting ducks between the dessert and the sea, watching 600 elite chariots and all the forces of Pharaoh’s troops coming after them (Exodus 14:6-9). That was God’s plan for Israel. God placed them in that situation. Prov 16:17 says, “The path of the virtuous leads AWAY from evil; whoever follows that path is SAFE.” This sure doesn’t look like moving AWAY from danger and on a path to SAFETY! That’s certainly how Israel felt. (Ex 14:10-11). They were terrified!

But, this was God’s plan. Do we believe the words of Psalm 23:2 where God says that our good shepherd “leads us to “green pastures” and beside “still waters?” This is God’s perspective. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that “We make our plans, but God directs our steps.” The words of Moses to the people, as they saw the armies of Pharaoh bearing down on them, apply to us in times when we feel overwhelmed also, “Stand sill and watch the Lord rescue. (Exodus 14:13)

I know there has been some difficult challenges over the past few months. I pray that you have seen God’s faithfulness and are growing in a deeper sense of God’s power and love for you. Just like Israel, as they saw the Egyptians floating in the sea, I pray that you too will see the mighty power that the Lord is using on your behalf, and that you will be filled with awe before him. I pray as you experience God’s faithfulness that it will cause you to put your faith in the Lord.” (Ex 14:31)

We can’t see the future, we can only see the past, and what God has said about the future. But, if we can learn to trust God for the future, because of what we have seen Him do in the past, we will be able to rest in His plan for today and for the future. May his faithful love in the past (both to you, and to His people, recorded in His Word) inspire us to trust Him for the future.

Ex 15:11-13 11 “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord— glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? 12 You raised your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies. 13 “With your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed. In your might, you guide them to your sacred home.  

Ex 15:21 Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea

Prov 16:4  The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. 

As I finished my reading this morning, the words of Pat Barrett’s song, “Morning by Morning” came to mind. Here’s the chorus and the bridge.

I will trust where you lead
I will trust when I can’t see
Morning by morning
Great is your faithfulness to me 

I will trust with all my heart
You are good, you always are
Morning by morning
Great is your faithfulness to me

All fear be reminded
My future is secure
Oh, my father has spoken
And he keeps his every word

Pat Barrett, “Morning by Morning”

I’m praying for you all as I write, that you will find these words to be true.

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