5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 7:3 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
I am currently reading a book that is bringing to light many areas of concern in my mind and heart. In his book, “Respectable Sins,” Jerry Bridges points out that too many Christians have a list of big sins that appall us. But, we have a plethora of “smaller sins” that we tolerate. In fact, our belief that “nobody is perfect” seems to excuse our lack of desire to rid ourselves of those smaller “respectable sins.”
Some of the sins that he addresses that hit close to home are the sins of worry, frustration, discontentment, and other sins like those. Essentially, I commit sin when I don’t know how things will work out and rather than trust the Lord, I worry. Or, something has happened and I’m not pleased with it so I get frustrated and discontented, rather than acknowledge that it came from God’s hand.
Essentially, these sins are committed when we have a very weak view of God. We worry because we’re not convinced that He can handle the situation. Or we get discontented and frustrated because we aren’t convinced that He can intervene … or give us the ability to be content.
So, how powerful is our God? Well, in our verse for today, we read that the most powerful man in the world at that time was under the complete control of God. Pharaoh was a pawn on God’s chessboard.
Exodus 7:3 (CSB): “But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt.”
This is further addressed in the following verse…
Proverbs 21:1 (CSB): “A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses.”
So, when you (and I) are tempted to worry, or get frustrated and discontented, remember just how powerful our God is. Remember that He is infinitely powerful and fully in control. Absolutely nothing can happen if He does not actively will it or passively allow it to happen.
Therefore, receive whatever He sends Your way and refuse to do anything short of embracing His will for your life.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord Jesus, Your Word makes it clear just how powerful and sovereign You are. But, it’s crazy how I can know something in my mind and yet realize that I don’t believe it so deeply that it keeps me from sinful thought patterns. I want to fully embrace Your control over all things and experience the benefits of such a mindset. I need Your help. Thank You in advance for what You will do in me. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 