This Purpose

"However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you My power and to make My name known in all the earth." ~Exodus 9:16 HCSB

Moses talking to Pharaoh gives him this message from the Lord. He tells him He could have "obliterated" him and his people, "However, I have let you live for this purpose". I have often thought why God allows pestilence, disease, injustice and disasters. He could stop them, but many times it seems He doesn't. I spent time with my mother in the hospital. She was having the cancer in her body removed. Sitting there I can't help to think and ask the question, why Lord. I don't doubt in my heart that God is over all things and the fact I will never fully understand a fraction of what are His ways. But this verse helps me understand.

I have often heard that God is in the aftermath when disaster strikes. In reality he is there in the beginning all the way through to the end. He uses these events to show the world His power, to make His name known to everyone. Watching my mother in the midst of her pain, to see the smile on her face, to hear her laugh at a silly joke when it hurts, declares Christ in her life. She has a peace when facing adversity, that no matters what happens it is in God's hands. That death has no hold those who believe, in the end God's name will be glorified and everything will be made right. I thank God for this, it allows me to move through this life with a renewed confidence. To see God's glory in all things, not just when things are going good. I realize this life would not be worth living without Christ and what He brings to my life…He makes it all possible.

Lord I thank you for all things. That in life we will face hardships and how you use them to build our faith in you. Lord thank you for my mother and her love of you. Heal her and be with us when we face our own hardships. Lord use us to proclaim your power and to make your name know in all the earth! Amen.

Daily Reading: Exodus 9-11; Psalm 22:12-31