Anna Thoreson, Author at Faith Church

Flying in Fog

Posted on Feb 5, 2018 by Anna Thoreson in Devotions | 0

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?” (Psalms‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Circumstances fog up our faith. When that happens, we are flying blind. We are at great risk when our feelings start shouting that God has forgotten us. When that happens we must learn to let our instruments see for us; we are well-equipped with the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Trouble and pain are a disorienting business, and unchecked against our instruments, our feelings could send us crashing into the earth. But our instruments are tried and tested, they will never steer us wrong if we’ll only put our full confidence in them.

David got lost in the fog. At least momentarily disoriented. He spirals for a few verses but then checks his instruments and course corrects before he crashes. We do well to follow his example; feelings are felt but quickly compared to the Word and the Spirit. Adjustments are made. Destruction averted.

“But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Lord, when circumstances fog our vision, we put our hope in Your infallible Word. We will follow the capable leading of Your Spirit. Together, we will make our way out of the murk. We will trust You even when it feels as though You feel far off or forgetting. We rely on the remarkable instruments You have entrusted to us. Amen.

Keep Calm

Posted on Feb 4, 2018 by Anna Thoreson in Devotions | 0

“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord,” (Exodus‬ ‭14:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The Lord allowed this face to face with Pharoah. In fact, Exodus 14:1-4 lets us know that He prearranged it. He’s preplanned the entire exchange, including the parting of the Red Sea! And when God makes a plan, it’s as good as done. He is sovereign over time and space and elements and people, there are no unforeseen factors.

Moses has a word for His people and us. “The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just keep calm.” It sounds a bit British and might make a cute mug or poster, but it’s true. Our glory-moment is predetermined, there’s a specific point in time where the long, uphill battle will shift in favor of the people of God and the world will be certain that He is Lord!

Until then, we walk in obedience, even with Egyptians breathing down our neck and the spray of the Red Sea at our backs. We keep calm and trust that the Lord will always, always fight for His people.

“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”” (Exodus‬ ‭14:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Lord, please strengthen our commitment to obedience today, even when we are panicked. Remind us to cry out to You in our scary circumstances. Help us trust that the glory-moment is coming; that the world will see You standing triumphant over our life and death situation. In the meantime, give us the guts to face our own versions of the Egyptians and Red Sea. We trust in You. Amen.