Bridge to a New Beginning or to Disaster?

The events and attitudes that precede a new beginning often determine its success. Yearning for a new beginning may be prompted by someone’s unhappiness, boredom, or discontent. An exception was Moses. God intervened in his life when a new beginning wasn’t even contemplated. Another exception was the Pharaoh of Egypt, who was content using the Hebrew slaves for his construction projects.

The Egyptians would have to experience ten consecutive disasters to be convinced God meant business about freeing his people. The tenth disaster struck so hard and was so personal to all the Egyptians that compliance to God's plan appeared to be their only choice.

Pharaoh's stubbornness built a bridge to these disasters which eventually caused the death of the Egyptians’ firstborn sons. It can be difficult to trust the future completely into God's care. Even though transitions aren’t easy, God will provide whatever is required to make sure his plan for us is comprehended and brought to fruition.

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Let everyone in all the would – men, women, and children – fear the Lord and stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command! And with a breath he can scatter the plans of al the nations who oppose him, but his own plan stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation.

~Psalm 33:8-11 The Living Bible

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Don't Lust for Other People's Stuff

Internal conflict is set in motion when something you want is in opposition to peace and a clear conscience. Regulating impulses that direct you toward a particular action is determined by the Spirit of Truth that produces self-control. Preoccupation with a desired object can undermine your ability to self-regulate.

As an employee, I agree to be responsible for doing my best work with a good attitude. If I lust after another employee's position, my best work is in danger of being compromised. The more intense the preoccupation with lust, the less effective I am at self-regulating thoughts and actions that are hurtful to others and myself.

God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, and the tenth explicitly states, "Do not covet." To stop this impulse, remember God’s provision for you, and then continuously express thanksgiving for his goodness. God knows your need and will graciously provide for you as you seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.  

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This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. 

~Isaiah 30:15,18 New Living Translation