This was for you Diana. Also a test since I haven't been on my blog in over a year.

Exodus 32.

With a mighty move of God’s hand, Moses has led the people out of Egypt and into the desert. Moses goes up on Mount Sinai where God is giving him lots of directions and instructions for the people of Israel to follow. While he is gone the people get tired of waiting and get busy sinning.

The Lord tells Moses to get back down the mountain because his people are out of control. The Lord tells Moses, “I have seen these people, and they are a stiff necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.”

But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “O Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with a great power and a mighty hand?...Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel to whom you swore your own self:…”

Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Moses no longer argues with God because he doubts his own abilities and wonders if the word of the Lord will be enough to get the job done.

Moses approaches God with confidence and petitions Him to have mercy on his people. He reminds God Almighty about his promises.  His relationship with God has matured. Moses has matured. He has faith. He has answered God’s call.

Moses Argues With God

            I really enjoy the story of Moses. He is such an ordinary guy, yet he finds himself looking at a burning bush that is not being consumed and the voice of God speaking to him from within that bush. (Exodus 3-4). God then begins to explain to Moses that he has plans for him. He is going to send Moses to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.

Moses starts to argue with God saying, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God then says, “I will be with you.” Moses says, “What if they do not believe or listen to me and say,” ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”

God then gets busy and does miracles for Moses. God turns his staff into a snake and makes his hand turn from healthy to leprous and back to healthy again.

So Moses should be all bout God’s plan right? Well Moses gets busy and says to God, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” The Bible says that God’s anger burns against Moses.

Ultimately God gave Moses his brother Aaron to go with him and speak for him. God told Moses, “You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.”

How many times do we know God is speaking to us or directing us and yet we decide to argue and talk back? How often do we try to get our own way instead of doing what the Lord is telling us? Thankfully God has an abundant supply of grace, mercy and patience. I must admit that I have argued with God. I have had doubts about my abilities, exactly what my roll should be in certain situations or even fears of what lies ahead. Let us always remember that God will put up with our arguing and whining because He loves us so much. Let’s remember that as with Moses and Aaron, he will, “…teach us what to do.” If we are willing to ultimately follow God’s plans for our lives, he will give us success and our faith will grow ever stronger.

Should I Be Whining

     I am hoping this blog gives me the outlet I need for so many of the mixed emotions I currently have. 

     Like everyone else in this world I have my good days and my bad days.  The past two days have been a real bear. I find myself asking, "What is all this for?"  "Is this all there is?"  "Can I just go home to be with God now?"  "Will I be able to handle another 20 or 30 years of this thing we call life?"  What is God's plan for my life?  Have I done all that I am supposed to have done?"  "Does God have something else in mind for me?"  "Can God just please let me know what he wants me to do and not have it include cancer?"

     Yesterday I told someone that I was tired and wanted out. They told me, "To give up  was trying to take the easy way out."  "Yes!" I shouted.  "That's exactly what I want."  I'm tired of hard.  I could really get used to the idea of easy!