Service Sign
Author: Chrissy S.
29 July 2003
My family was blessed with the opportunity to take a long road trip this past
summer. It was full of interesting experiences, which God used to speak to
me (and hopefully to you, through this devo series). We went a great distance,
from the Midwest to the Pacific coast and back. We were blessed with a chance
to get away, though we all were quite quick to complain (we got cramped, fast
food got old, the heat was horrid, etc., etc.,)
It reminded me greatly of the exodus, or journey, of the Israelite people. For
a brief history, synopsis of the Exodus see Stephen’s account in Acts 7,
before going on. The past two years I have been studying the Old Testament. Though,
I’d love to have the opportunity to see the land of which they crossed
some sights we saw going across America seemed to come close to what they may
have endured. At one of the desert, mountainous scenery stops, I got out to take
a look. The temperature was about 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Just a quick ten minutes
out of the air conditioned car, made me anxious to get back in the car. The land
was sandy with lots of stones and little dry brushes. It was not flat, rather
it was quite slanted.
Though the Israelites were released from slavery they complained of their circumstances.
They got sick of the manna and quail. They were thirsty for water (though God
did give it to them). They grew impatient and lost trust in the Moses (and God)
who said they were headed to the Promised Land.
God provided the Israelites with everything they needed for the journey: food,
water, direction, protection, strength (to fight off people), hope, freedom from
Pharaoh, etc, yet, they complained. Does it sound familiar at all? I think we
are like the Israelites in taking for granted what God has blessed us with. God
is a living God that seeks for us to trust in Him and to recognize that only
He can get us through. Beyond being trustworthy, God deserves our honor (for
His greatness) and appreciation (for His loving-kindness). He does not deserve
our complaints and grumbling.
On the interstate, before the exits, there are blue service signs. Those service
signs show what is available at the next exit: food, lodging, gas, hospitals,
etc.
**Following Up** This week as we gather around tables filled with various
colors of tasty food, and, not to mention, the turkey, think about what services
God has made available in your life. Give thanks for that in which you have been
blessed. (Don’t limit your list to the above areas I mentioned…add
family, friends, skills, abilities, etc.,) And then, think about how you may
be able to share those with others on the road. Can you share food? Can you volunteer
your time and/or abilities to benefit others?
