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Barbara Watling - Just a Little Light

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When God recruited Moses to bring His people out of Israel, he (Moses) had no idea that it would take them 40 years to reach the Promised Land. It should not have taken them that long, but are we not just as slow to learn? When we become Christians, we also are on a journey, a spiritual journey.

The Israelites were a rebellious lot, always complaining, lacking in faith. If we are honest with ourselves, we can see many similarities in our own lives!

For instance, it wasn't long before the Israelites started

complaining. Their joy at being free from bondage was short lived. How they did complain! When Jesus paid for our sins, we too were set free from bondage. Yet how many joyful Christians do you know? We are the Redeemed of the Lord and as such, we ought to be the most joyful people on earth!

When the Pharaoh sent his armies after the Israelites, God commanded Moses to touch the waters. God parted the waters, the enemy was destroyed, and God's chosen people escaped once again! Has God not parted the waters many times for us? How often has He provided sweet refreshing water from a rock, or manna in the dessert?

Becoming a mature, fruitful Christian doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, and we can't do it without the guidance of our Lord. But we are not alone! We have a Saviour who is leading God's children out of bondage, and into the Promised Land. Just like the Israelites of old,

we must journey through this wilderness land, learning obedience and trust along the way, and leaving behind the "comfortable" bondage for a sometimes uncomfortable salvation.

"Father, just as You provided manna for Your people in the desert, so too You will provide for us, whether it be bread for the day, or light for the way! We need no more light than for the next step. We will trust You for the rest. There will be giants to face and mountains to climb, but You will be with us and will strengthen us for the journey.

Amen.

Barbara Watling is a poet and devout Christian from Miramichi who offers her unique views in her weekly column.