Consider the Lilies

“In the morning Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”  - Psalms 5:3.

These blooms met and totally surprised me this morning. “Consider the lilies…” (Matt 6:28). I heard this verse included in a worship service Wednesday evening. My world had been rocked earlier that day. An unexpected but definite answer to prayer that left me speechless. Have you had those moments? I’ve had them more than I care to admit. Those moments when the direct answer to your months and months of prayers isn’t exactly how you imagined it playing out. You question His leading. You question your ability to hear Him. “Lord why did you lead me here? I followed you here with every part of my heart I was capable of giving You. I trusted You. I saw you answer prayer after prayer that I prayed, some in evident miraculous ways. I have given you my heart and trust You, but I wasn’t prepared for this.”

The Lord has brought Exodus 14:14 to my heart so often lately. That Wednesday evening worship service message started with Exodus 14. The tears fell. Beauty in the heartache. He is so alive and active in our lives. He confirms what He places in our hearts. In chapter 14, Moses had led the Israelites from Egypt and they were up against the Red Sea. The journey out of Egypt for Moses included one internal battle after another. Moses had told the Lord from the beginning he wasn’t the guy but the Lord continued to equip and prepare. Now Moses found himself against a Red Sea, a multitude of doubting people, and an army in hot pursuit of them.

The Journey To and Through the Dead End

The Lord's people had witnessed miracle after miracle. Assurance after assurance. Promises and desires of freedom were ignited. Hope in their hearts stirred. The leading and path to freedom seemed promising. Again, they had watched the Lord work MIRACLES. And then the Red Sea changed all of that. “...You brought us in the desert to die???” (Ex 14:11)

There is so much hope and encouragement in Exodus 14. Moses's words - “do not be afraid…Stand firm…you will see deliverance…the Lord will fight for you.” And then the Lord - “Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the seas to divide the water…”

Do you need a miracle? Do you need the Lord to part the waters and lead the way to the promises in His word? Do you need Him to lead you through your doubts? Do you believe He is able?

Moses was a tremendous leader and an intercessor for the Lord’s people. Today the Lord hasn’t just given us tremendous. He’s given us miraculous perfection full of all power and all authority to intercede on our behalf. He has given us His Son and His Spirit if we choose to follow Him. When we keep our eyes on Him and where He leads, if we stand firm, He will fight for us. He will raise his hands when the time is right and encourage us to “move forward” into the promises He has waiting on us. But even in that, we will probably continue to trek through the wilderness like the Israelites. We are so human. Their journey to the promise land is worth the read. The Lord is so incredibly faithful in spite of our faithlessness.  (2 Timothy 2:13)

Earlier this week I had taken a photo of these two birds. “Look at the birds…” (Matt 6:26). A desire from Ecc 4:9-11 on my heart when I noticed these two birds taking shelter from the storm. Little did I know the Lord was preparing my heart for what I would hear and desperately need on a Wednesday night from Matthew 6. "Look at the birds...Consider the lilies...Do not worry...Seek first His kingdom." Even being in that room on a Wednesday night, also a prompting from Him. It’s not somewhere I normally would have gone. He surrounded me with other believers full of His Spirit. He truly goes before us. He is so beautiful to confirm His words following the experiences He gives. Thankful for the lilies this morning. Thankful for the birds of the air. Thankful for His promises to meet our needs and heart's desires. Thankful for His presence and love. 

Do you look for Him? Do you listen for Him? Do you trust Him? Do you see Him?

I’d encourage you to seek Him every morning. Wait for Him. He’s in the waiting. It brings to mind the lyrics of this beautiful song. Take time to listen.

“I will choose life even in darkness. Your truth lights a beautiful spark in this heart and soul. Be still and know. My fear is gone. Here in your presence. A new song rises to heaven. This heart and soul will be still and know.” - Red Rocks Worship

Spend time in His presence today. “Seek first His kingdom…” Matt 6:33 - He is so faithful.