God had devastated Egypt with the
first 9 plagues. He literally brought them to their knees. All that
they had left was their lives and the lives of their family and
friends, but then God warned them that a last plague was coming, a
plague that will finally break their resolve. All their first born
sons will die. Can you imagine the terror that must have gripped
them when they heard this? I probably would have tried to keep my
son very close to me, hoping that I would be able to protect him
somehow.
The Israelites heard of this as
well. Moses told them that this was the last plague, after this
they would be free to go. He told them to prepare a perfect
Passover lamb, without spot or blemish as a substitute for their
own first born sons. He also told them to make bread dough without
yeast as they wouldn't have time to wait for it to rise, plus they
had to wear their travelling clothes, ready to go. They were also
instructed to eat the food quickly, because once they receive the
news that they can go, they had to move quickly.
And what is wonderful to me is that
they followed all his instructions to the smallest detail. For all
they knew Pharaoh could have changed his mind again and there could
have been another 5 plagues still to come, but they trusted in
God's Word. Even though they were not free yet, they trusted God
that He will lead them out as He had promised He would. Their
preparation for walking into freedom was an act of faith. They were
preparing themselves for God's plan.
We too need to prepare ourselves
whilst waiting for God's promises to come to pass. We too need to
show our faith by doing what God has asked us to do in preparation
for the task ahead. Several biblical characters had to wait a long
time before God used them as He had promised and in that time they
had to prepare themselves for the task. For example look at David.
He was anointed to be king whilst he was still a young boy and it
only came to pass that he became king over the whole Israel at age
37. And in the mean time he had to prepare himself for the task of
being king, he had to learn how to lead people, how to live by
example, how to fight for what is right etc.
Look at Paul for example. After his
wonderful conversion, God took him into Arabia for 3 years in order
for the Holy Spirit to teach him His ways. After that he was sent
to his hometown of Tarsus for several years, before he began the
ministry he was called for, all the while learning from God how to
be the apostle He wanted him to be.
There are several examples, but the
lesson is this, prepare now while you are waiting. Demonstrate your
faith in God that He is mighty and what He said will come to pass.
It is when faith meets faith that wonders happen and your destiny
creeps forward to meet you!
Lord please imprint Your promises
into our minds that we can start preparing for all You have for us.
We believe in You and we know that it will all come to pass. We
move forward in faith towards You. In Jesus' Name. Amen