exodus.

I've recently been reading through the Bible in chronological order, using this Bible. I highly recommend it! Thanks to Kimbo and Mandi for recommending it to me.

I've never really read the Old Testament through in this way, and it has opened my eyes to see God in a fuller way. The New Testament has so much more meaning when you understand God's original covenant with His chosen people.

As I read the story of God's redemption and rescue of the Israelites, I get so frustrated with them. God parts the Red Sea for them, keeps all his promises, shows them His glory through fire and clouds and miracles and... why can't they just believe? Then I realize that sounds pretty familiar... that they are me. When things don't look like I thought they would, I immediately get frustrated. God where are you? Why did you bring me here?

Even when it feels like we're wandering in the desert, and that God is not near, He is. He is constantly blessing us and providing for us. When we feel like our faith is circumstantial, and we cry out for bigger faith to believe in a big God, it's pretty likely that God will want to test us. He does it out of his huge love for us.

Over and over again, leaders like Moses and Joshua remind the Israelites how God has provided for them. Over and over again, the Israelites stray from their true Love, and then cry out to God for help. In his compassion, He redeems them, knowing that they will most likely soon stray.

That is the God we serve. The God who knows our ways yet loves us enough to be in an everlasting covenant with us. Be encouraged, and embrace your time in the desert.