Distinct

This word means “recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type”. I think the definition could apply to people as well. I believe there is a difference in how people who came from humble beginnings behave as compared to most people who grew up wealthy. I think there is a distinct difference in people who grew up in a home where God was honored and worshipped. We are actually all different in many ways.

The people of Israel are God’s chosen people. My journey through the Word has them being captives and slave labor to the Egyptians. Moses & Aaron are their leaders and they are approaching Pharaoh about letting them go for a retreat in the desert, which is really an escape from the bondage of the Egyptians. The Lord has just started sending plagues upon the land showing that He is serious about getting His people out. He has turned all the water to blood, sent frogs and gnats all over the land of Egypt to show off His Power. He’s about to send another plague, but this one will be a bit different. Check this out…

20 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, “This is what the Lord says: let my people go, so that they may worship me. 21 If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies; even the ground will be covered with them.

22 ‘“But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. 23 I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.”’

24 And the Lord did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies. (Exodus 8:20-24 NIV)

I believe that the Lord notices my heart commitment to Him. I believe that the Lord gives honor to those who honor Him. I believe that the Lord watches over me. I don’t think He keeps me from all harm, pain and suffering. In fact, I’ve had my fair share of struggle. I do believe that He provides me help for the journey through pain and suffering. I believe that my life is distinctly different because of His Presence in me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne