Most of the time when I read the story of the Israelites from the book of Exodus, I walk away frustrated. They were able to see so much of God’s glory and power in the plagues, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, the pillars of clouds and fire guiding them, and so much more. YET, they still wanted to return to slavery in Egypt. “The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death” (Exodus 16:3).
And while I may become frustrated at the obviousness of their disobedience, I am just like them. There are times that I want to go back to patterns of thought that feel comfortable and safe, but are really a facade created by the enemy. There are times that I choose to believe a lie rather than fight to remember God’s truths. There are times when I want to go back to the exact place the Lord rescued me from, because I prefer “easy”.
There are times when I forget the all the plagues He sent to get my attention. There are times I become calloused to my salvation that was bought for me on the cross. There are moments when I don't remember how He has guided me each step of the way...and so much more.
Yet, the Lord continues to be patient with me, just like He was patient with the Israelites. He will continue to guide me, just like he guided the Israelites…until I reach the Promised Land. So while there may be moments in this wilderness that I miss Egypt and the predictability of captivity, that is NOT where the Lord wants me. He sets my feet in open places and calls me to Freedom.
The Wilderness
Egypt is not where I want to go
I’ve been there to see, stayed there and know
It’s not where my heart will open and heal
Instead, it just boasts with great appeal
To turn back and to seem closed and safe
Feels like the greatest and safest escape
Yet to rewind time to what was before
Erases miracles I cannot ignore
Just like the plagues that gathered attention
You’ve changed the landscape of my vision
Time it has taken, yet now I can see
The miracles were for your Glory as much as for me
No longer am I a slave to my mind
There is freedom to be tasted that is divine
It is in this desert, wandering around
That I hear my voice crying and begging to be found
The unexpected feels far away,
Yet I know it’s the Promised land’s roadway
So journey on, I will go
Trusting and hoping that You know
How to prepare me for the trails and TRIALS ahead
Resting in confidence that You’re at the head
Take me lower if you must
To make me into someone You can trust
But going back; not today
Going back is never the way.