Making Response

As God’s people, were about to enter the land God had promised to them when He brought them out of slavery in Egypt, Moses, who had led them for 40 years was giving them some final instructions.  The people were to take the first portions of their harvest and their herds etc. and they were to set it before the Lord as an offering.  And then Moses said something that caught my attention.  He said,

… you shall make response before the Lord your God … Deuteronomy 26:5

I thought about that.  What does “make response” require?  Well, I think it means that we have to first notice the good things that God is doing and has done for us for so long, acknowledge that with a grateful heart, and then surrender in faith once again to God,   even in the face of challenges,  that God will surely care for us as He has promised over and over again. 

I don’t know about you but I’m about “getting things done” and finding the joy when I see the fulfillment of what’s been said or planned or worked at.  I’m a little less on the gratitude side when things are in process. 

So here I have a bit of understanding for the people of God.  They had a promise of a good land to settle in, but in this day that is before them they still have enemies to face, battles to fight, obstacles to over come, hard work, and plenty of waiting.

They are going to have to hold onto all the little things in each “in between” day that add together until somewhere down the line everything comes together.  Not so easy to do and to maintain over the long haul is it?

The classic definition of faith, and that’s really what’s being asked here isn’t it?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

Heavenly Father, we live in what seem like ordinary in-between times.  Help us today to take notice of all the good things You are doing for us and blessing us with today that are helping us get through the challenges we currently face, even though we may not recognize how you are doing all this. 

You are faithful.  You are with us.  You are rewarding us as we seek You in this day.  What more could we ask for?  Amen

Well, whether today is just another step in a long journey for you or maybe you are at a place where you only hoped you could be and God has brought you here, let’s take a moment and make a response of thanks and trust to God who is making a treasure for us of this day.