by Gary Howell
font-size: 18pxHow God Moves Us from Comfort that Enslaves Us to Growth
Easter is a time when we are called to do more than just celebrate; we are called to remember the backstory to Easter that every small Jewish child would have known.
Remembering how the angel of death passed over the homes of all who had the lamb’s blood on the doorposts, thus they celebrated Passover.
These events in Israel’s history brought freedom and dependence on Jehovah. They serve as the great foreshadowing of the Lamb that would surrender Himself to be slain for the remission of sins and freedom to all who believe.
For years, my wife and I have had our own little ritual. On the night before Easter we watch the old movie “The Ten Commandments”. We still find ourselves moved by God’s love for His children as He took them on a journey to freedom.
I want to go with you on a quest through the Exodus story for nuggets that we can learn from for our journey. The journey of this Christian walk that we are all on was never meant to be static (stationary, without movement) but one of movement, not just motion.
Yet human nature is such that when we reach a place where we experience some success or things are relatively easy, we get comfortable, and movement takes a back seat.
At the famine’s peak, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt because he heard there was grain there. (Genesis 42) This journey ended with all of Jacob’s family going to Egypt and eventually staying, becoming complacent and comfortable.
The same thing can happen to us.
We get cozy and comfortable in a place, position, or situation, and we get stuck. But just like the children of Israel, the thing that initially brought comfort and peace now enslaves us.
Lessons from Exodus
Passover: the History of Easter is the first of five short lessons from Exodus from author, counselor, and pastor Gary Howell.
In this short, free devotional e-book from In Touch Mission International, you'll examine your legacy through the lens of the Hebrews' journey from Egypt to the promised land, how God used a murderer to lead his people, God's passionate jealousy for His people. You'll learn from Israel's mistakes and contemplate embracing gratitude.
Yet God has interesting ways of changing the narrative of a story. “Now there arose in Egypt a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8)
God has a way of implementing situations that move us from the place of static comfort to potential movement and growth.
So embrace those tough moments - those uncomfortable changes - and know God is preparing you for a new season of the journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For over 30 years, Gary helped others on their journey to achieving a breakthrough and experiencing peace, hope, purpose, and joy as a pastor, counselor, coach, and author. Gary was a lover of God, family, people, and all things positive. As a firm believer in the power of story, Gary shared his in his book, A Little White Casket, in order to help readers accept the grief and loss of the present, confront the truth of the past, and reframe towards the future. A Little White Casket is available on Amazon.
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