Asking the Right Questions

It’s only human nature to ask ourselves, “How can I make this problem go away,” or, “How can I get myself out of this situation with the least hardship.” I’m not blaming anyone for thinking this. Let’s start by reading our passage for the week:

“Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.” –Exodus 14:3-4 NLT

Israel was in the desert because God was rescuing them. At the same time, he needed to ensure that Egypt wouldn’t follow Israel once they got into the desert. God needed to stop the Egyptian army here and now. Israel only focused on the situation they were in, though, and how they got there.

The writer of our devotion (that I hope you’re reading) suggests this:

The next time you’re overwhelmed, instead of asking, “How can I get out of this mess?” try asking, “How can God be glorified in this situation?” –The Red Sea Rules, by Robert J. Morgan (Rule 2)

The quote got me thinking about when in life we’re asking the wrong questions of God. We could be praying and asking God for help, but we’re asking the wrong things. He’s helping us; we can’t see it because he’s helping in the best way for us.