24/11/2021
I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. The nurse’s words rang in my ears: “The doctor wants you in the bed.” My doctor ordered me to park myself in my bed for the sake of my unborn child.
We lived thousands of miles from family. My husband’s work schedule was rigid and exhausting. And we didn’t have many close friends. In an out-of-body type moment, I looked at the nurse and declared, “God will provide.” I’m not positive I believed it, though.
Exodus 6:13 records a charge God gave Moses and Aaron at a time when they may have been wondering if God would provide: “But the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge about the people of Israel and about Pharaoh king of Egypt: to bring the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt” .
Moses obeyed God. What followed, however, was not what they had hoped for. Instead of meeting Moses’ request with an agreeable “Yes! I’ll help you pack!”, Pharaoh retaliated.
In the wake of this devastating development, God’s people abandoned hope that Moses would lead them out of captivity.
It seems the events that unfolded caused everyone to wonder if God’s plan had changed. (Exodus 5:20-23) But God’s response remained the same. In the midst of hard and unexpected circumstances, God’s plan never changed.
The eight chapters that follow detail how God delivered His people from Egypt, just as He said He would. Israel may not have always been able to see how their story would unfold, but even when they couldn’t see, God’s plans were still good.
When we can’t see how God’s will is being worked out, we can still trust that His plans are good. When our circumstances take us places we wouldn’t have chosen, we can choose to hope in God’s goodness and love.
During my days on bed rest, I questioned God’s plan many times. While I don’t know everything God did during those bed rest days, I know He drew me nearer to Him. And He’ll do the same for you.
On days when you don’t understand what God is doing, choose to trust in Him anyway, and He’ll show you just how faithful He is.
-Katy McCown
What circumstances are you trusting God with today?