There seems to be a pattern in the Bible that growth more often comes in the face of opposition then without it. It is so excited to see how God will began to draw a picture and make you wonder how in the world anything good will come from this story. As Pharoh believes he making a plan to keep God’s people from growing stronger he is strengthening them. God uses the circumstances to place Moses in the palace so he would be prepared to lead the children of Israel out out of Egypt. If we were all to see the whole picture as God sees it we would always rejoice in knowing that He has a masterplan.
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. Exodus 1:12
It is so amazing to see how God takes all things and work them for good. I believe when I was younger I was more sensitive to this. When I would face difficulty I would look to God to teach me something through it. Now when there are problems I try to tackle them and move on without much reflection of what God is doing.
I desire to see God work among the lives of the teenagers that I have the opportunity to minister to. I deal with selfish ambitions for growth. However, I can honestly say that I desire to see them live a life that brings God maximum glory and allows them to have the most joy. I could not imagine life not given over to the Master for His use.
My dreams for growth do not involve affliction as I see in the story of Exodus. I know that God use some very difficult things in my life to help mold me. However, I do not feel prepared to see God do the same for the young people I serve. I ask that God will give me words to say when he creates seasons in my teenagers lives where they are most open to listen.
As a father I deal with a constant fear of something happening to my son and unborn daughter. I have seen many parents who have become upset with God for something that happened to their children. This results in something that is tougher for the children then the physical problem – living in the home with bitter parents. I see so clearly today that God uses different means to draw His people close to Him. His desire is for our closeness not our comfort. Regardless of what will happen in my life, my teenagers lives, or my childrens lives my I always respond to the affliction in a way that will allow for multiplication and growth.
