Advent // Waiting in Hope

Exodus 13:17-22 (NIV)

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.”

“Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, ‘God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.’”

“After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”

1.     God uses waiting to purify you and reveal His sufficiency. 

Exodus. 14:13-14 (NIV)

“Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 

2.     You are not alone; You are waiting with God. 

Exodus 15:13 (NIV)

"In your unfailing love you will lead
    the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them"