I haven’t decided yet…
About what I think about the December Hallmark TV specials.
On one hand…
I am so glad they are over.
I mean, really.
The always-happy endings, the women who cry without mascara stains and puffy eyes, and the everyone-is-nice-and-skinny just don’t connect with my reality.
And on the other hand…
The stories just make you feel good, don’t they?
A little hope mixed in with escape TV.
Storyline: Someone experiences a loss…sadness…misunderstanding…and then someone (he’s usually very handsome and kind) steps in to make it all better.
Either way, the Hallmark “happily ever after” story month is over and we’re moving into January.
Ponder…ponder…ponder…
What storyline captures the dreams and feelings about starting the New Year?
Answer…
Moses parting the Red Sea.
Yes!
It is so not a Hallmark story…
And it’s the perfect story to bring me into 2014.
Here’s what I mean…
In 2014…I want to get to know God’s bigness better.
It gets so easy to pray easy prayers, doesn’t it?
To expect not-so-much so I’m not disappointed or think God has let me down.
To let life events that bring anxiety keep their place in my heart because…because…
Because…I’m not sure why.
Hmmmmm….
When I stop to think about it, I think it’s because I just don’t take the time to pray bold prayers.
I haven’t taken enough time to really get to know this BIG God who wants to hear our BIG prayers so we see BIG changes.
So…this year…
I want to get to know this Red Sea God better.
I want to feel the mighty wind that parts the seas…
See His wonders transform my life and the lives of those I care about as I stretch out my hand in obedience to His direction, and …
Know the voice of this God whose love is tender and power is immense.
Whatever my Red Sea is this year…
I’m asking God to part the waters and clear my way.
Whatever foes or situations or not-so-great life events are pursuing me…
I will ask The One Who Can to intervene and create the break-through.
The picture in my mind of God parting the seas (admittedly, He always looks like Charlton Heston), tells me God is Powerful. Faithful. A Promise-keeper.
Bigger than anything chasing me.
This is the God I‘m asking to usher in 2014 with me.
This is the God I am going to get to know better.
This is God.
Do not be afraid.
Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.
The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
(Exodus 14:13)
