I am in the process of selling my house, a long process that I have found to be frustrating, because people are unable to see what an asset our house is to the right person. A few days ago, however, I read this Scripture:

Exodus 14:14 – The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. (ESV)

I immediately suspected, even knew, that this was God's Word for me, and I surrendered. Later that day, the house sold for the asking price, and the people are in a hurry to move in! Amazing! Now, their surveyor is booked to visit, and it is becoming a reality.

So yet again, I find myself not knowing what happens next, with no house to go to, not enough money to live where I want, differences in our expectations, and no way forward as yet.

Knowing what God can do is all very well and good, but it is a whole different thing actually living out faith looking forwards. Essentially, it boils down to not liking being out of control, not knowing or being able to trust what is about to happen next.

My bête noir is sky-diving; for you it could be swimming, maths, work, surgery, death, etc. There is an absence of expectation for a good outcome.

The Bible has all kinds of examples of God's provision for His people, to instill trust in Him. As His chosen people left Egypt for the promised land, they were fearful and wayward, but He showed them a God-given way forward. In effect, God said, "I am taking you the long way around to make it easier for you, because you are not able to cope with life-and-death choices yet." (My version of Exodus 13:17.)

Likewise, in the Gospels, we see Jesus in action: healing people, feeding the 5,000. Here, Jesus is not just doing, but is also evoking faith, challenging the mindset of Palestine about what God can do, and expanding people's expectations.

Whatever the need, I believe that Jesus would say, "I am always with you; ask and know that I hear!" In turn, we have to be ready to wait and see the outcome.

Jeremiah 33:3 – Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (ESV)

The crux is to lay down our presumptions before Jesus, trusting that as we go, Jesus does come with us, unseen.

As I jump out of my life's plane again, maybe you can hear me scream, "Aaarrgggh!" I look forward to heaven; meanwhile, God is taking me around the houses — I assume to show me how to grow deeper in faith!

Prayer: Lord, You are the One Who is Master of all. We praise and thank You for what has passed, and we praise You for what You are about to do. As we ask You into the events where, from our standpoint, we can see no way forward or no beneficial outcome for us, only a free-fall, enable us to sense Your peace and to be silent before You. As we go forward, may You guide us to each of our landings, wherever they may fall. When we get there, may we be ready to serve, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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