Going Shopping

I am not a big shopper unless I’m going to Home Depot, Lowes or Ace Hardware. I love looking around those places for a tool that I need for my shop. I will sometimes purchase organizational tools for my shop too. When it’s time for new shoes or clothes, I don’t really like to shop much. I like to go into a shoe store, pick out my favorite shoe that is on sale and purchase it. I know the size of my foot so there’s no need to try it on. I’m the same way with shirts and pants – I know the size. If I like the style, color and most of all the price- I will buy it and go home. I believe in buying good shoes because they wear better and last longer

I was reading this passage where Moses reminds the people of Israel about how the Lord looked out for them and provided for them. This was a good reminder of His Provision and His Presence. Check this out….

2 Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them:

Your eyes have seen all that the Lord did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials and to all his land. 3 With your own eyes you saw those great trials, those signs and great wonders. 4 But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear. 5 Yet the Lord says, ‘During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. 6 You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.’ (Deuteronomy 29:2-6 NIV)

I can hardly imagine the types of challenges these people faced. I don’t like to travel away from home more than 4 days, let alone 40 years. This wasn’t just a hiking trip – they carried with them all that they had. After the first year, I might have been tempted to shed some material possessions in order to not have to keep up with them. I can’t imagine being part of a community that is probably at least 1 Million strong in number and moving along the road for several days before camping in one spot for several days. Al this time of travel and their clothes and shoes don’t wear out? That is God providing. The Lord is not only providing, but He is protecting them as well. They were not known for military might at this point – they had been slaves in Egypt. They had no formal training in military fighting skills and strategies – the Lord provided all that too.

When the dust of this day and every day clears- the Lord provides. I have nice clothes and nice shoes. I have a roof over my head that’s warm and dry. I have a nice vehicle to drive. I feel provided for and blessed beyond what I deserve. I recognize the Lord as the Provider of all I have. I would trade all I have for His Presence. I’m so grateful that I have both. I don’t need new shoes or clothes today.

Pressing On!

Dwayne