Finite Minds

The plagues God used to convince Pharaoh to “Let His people go!” amazed both Egyptians and Israelites. The Egyptians felt the brunt of God’s might; the Israelites received protection from the horrible plagues. All involved were awe-struck by God’s power. 

God parted the water ahead of the Israelites when their escape route dead-ended at a huge sea. They walked across the seabed on dry land with two large seawalls on either side of them. The Egyptian army barreled in behind them. And the Israelites watched as God crashed the sea waters on top of their enemies.

Wow! Whoever saw such things could never doubt God’s power or provision for “His people.” Except... these very people.

They were thirsty. They had gone several days without water. They told Moses they would rather die in Egypt (as slaves) than suffer through God’s plan (Exodus 14:11-12).

What? How could they not see the goodness of God—that He was for them? He had freed them from slavery. He had turned a raging sea into a dry pathway. He had done the impossible for them. But they became thirsty.

Their temporary circumstances caused them to forget how much God had done for them in the past. Their human nature provoked them to doubt God’s goodness.

Sound like you and me sometimes?

Oh, how wonderful it would be to have unwavering faith—always certain of God’s goodness, no matter what our current situation.

But life brings a mixed bag of experiences. We face disappointments and hurt from those we love. Our childlike faith in people we trust dwindles. And so it goes with our faith in God. We prayed for financial help and ended up losing a home. We asked for healing and the person died. We don’t understand and we lose faith. We become doubters.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says,

“And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” (NLT)

Jesus says it is the most important commandment (Mark 12:29-30).

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is key to overcoming doubt. It cements our faith and abolishes doubt.

Isaiah 55:8 says,

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” 

Trying to understand God with our human logic wastes time and energy. It’s not a faith-builder. When we walk the dry seabed with water-walls one day and question God’s goodness the next, it shows our faith depends on our circumstances. They change. God does not.

Instead, through faith, when the foreclosure happens, we choose to love God. When our friend dies, we love God. We accept His answer to our prayers and use all our heart, soul and strength to love Him. Especially when we don't understand.

We must remember it is not this life on earth we live for. Our time here is brief compared to eternity.

"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Luke 17:33

What are you clinging to today? Will you put your trust in God and let it go?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises. Thank You that we have yesterday, today, tomorrow, and eternity with You. Thank You for loving us despite our fickle hearts. Please teach us to love You as little children, trusting You in all things and with each moment.