As we move through lent, it is good practice to consider our life journey. Whether we are a young person trying to complete high school, a young adult beginning a career and/or family, an older person preparing for an ‘empty nest’ or retirement. There are also the experiences along our journey to consider. These experiences may include marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, being hired for a great business, being let go because of downsizing, being fired, buying a home, losing a home to a natural disaster; and whatever is a specific experience in our life.
Many times we may have more negative experiences than positive ones. As we allow it, these negative experiences can consume us. They may have a hold on us, from which it is difficult to break free. There may be periods of time when we feel we have been through enough. And, that it has been long enough. We may ask, “When will I be set free from this pain?” (Or, fill in the blank with such words as ‘sorrow’, ‘abandonment’, ‘addiction’, ‘loss’, ‘let down’, etc.
It is beneficial for us to consider the experience of the Israelites. First they were enslaved and held captive for many years in Egypt. Even when Moses spoke God’s message that He would bring them to the promised land, the Israelites did not listen to Moses because they had lost hope (Exodus 6:9). Yet, Moses persevered; and finally, after many years of turning to God for guidance and help, the Israelites were able to flee from Egypt. Consider the times when Moses traveled on his journey, turning to God in great expectation and hope. Then, to travel on his journey back to the Israelites with great expectation and hope that all was going to be resolved. Moses continued this journey, back and forth, for many years. This journey fell on broken roads of unrealized answers, unresolved problems, and unexpected suffering. Yet, Moses did not allow his hope to be removed from his spirit.
We can be encouraged by the entire book of Exodus. We can be encouraged by the stories of those who lived before us, such as the saints and other Christians who have shared their testimonies of struggle and pain. We can be encouraged by those around us who will tell us horrific stories of loss and pain; yet, in their next breath, will tell us of God’s love for them. When we are able to consider the fact that we are not alone in suffering, pain, loss, frustration, etc., we are somehow fed. We are fed a spiritual fuel which allows us to be stronger, dig deeper, focus on our own healing, recognize that we are not alone, and to reach out to God.
When we do reach out to God, it is important to do so with hope, expectation, openness, humbleness, and faith. This is not easy to do, even in the simplest matters of life. However, when we consider how Moses continually returned to God for guidance and help, we receive encouragement and hope. Moses is a great role model for those of us who find ourselves at a loss, who are in pain, or who feel hopeless. Just as Moses never stopped asking for God’s assistance, we are to never stop praying. Prayer is the ultimate communication with God. Then, we must take time to listen in quiet for His response. Repeat as often as is necessary, turning to God in confidence and trust. God does hear us; and we must remind ourselves that He answers in His time. God makes all things beautiful in His time. We rejoice in knowing this to be true, and we continually pray that God will shine His light, love, mercy, grace, and peace upon us.