"Comforting Thoughts" -2

"Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." (Psalms 77:20) If you are wondering where the first "Comforting Thoughts" might be, it was at the beginning. It is suspected by some that this Psalm was written while Israel was in captivity in Babylon; yet there are several references to the experience in the wilderness and their deliverance from Egypt, as with this final verse. Typically, Moses and Aaron being listed together represent leadership and structure; Moses would represent governing and Aaron would represent the priest or ordinance. But in the light of what God has been showing me, I am applying some other representation, one which makes more sense to the situation of being held in captivity; mainly, that Moses and Aaron were merely men. Granted, they were men that God used mightily, but they were still just men who were flawed like you and I; men who questioned and tested and sinned against God, just like any other person that is called of God. In the context of what God has been laying on my heart, I think that this is so very relevant in the life of those who are God's servants. We question God's use of our lives based upon our abilities or our usefulness, which is determined by us, based upon our flesh; which is utter stupidity on our part, because in our flesh we are useless and can do nothing. It is the power of God working in and through our lives that makes us His servants; especially when it comes to using our 'God Given Talents.' I expect to be used in that 'Talent' which God has prepared me for; just as Moses and Aaron were used in that which God prepared them for; but expecting does not happen by doing nothing! Seriously! We can not expect God to use us in any capacity whatsoever, if we are not willing to put forth the effort to let Him use us. What that might involve is between you and the Lord, but it surely isn't going to happen if we do not step out in faith and let it happen. It's really more about being available and willing to surrender all to the Lord; at whatever the cost might be, but including everything! That's where it matters the most, the everything thing! Because truth be told, Moses had more at stake than just speaking rightly, he was also considered to be a murderer in Egypt, so that had to weigh deeply upon his heart in his resistance to going back there. So, if you were expecting something to be hanging around waiting for you, or keeping your comfortable life, then you have not yet fully counted the cost; but what is anything here compared to eternity in heaven? Nothing does even come close to comparing with heaven, absolutely nothing! And don't forget to keep looking up...
"Now concerning how and when all of this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) NLT