When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. Exodus 2:3-4a ESV
We’ve had lot’s of new starts recently.
- Mesu’s has two new grandbabies: a handsome boy and a beautiful little girl! Congratulations, Mesu!
- We have a new coordinator for Mesu’s BFFs, Renee Ann Smith. Some of you may recognize the name: she’s already written many of our devotionals each month.
- And we have eighteen wonderful new BFFs! You can find a list in our newsletter and our Mesu’s website. Mesu’s publisher said to pump up the number to 70. So we did!
But the most exciting thing is that Mesu has a new book coming out! This one is about Pharaoh’s daughter. Can you imagine being the daughter of the ruler of all Egypt? What did she want with her life? What made her happy? What did she think when she found the new baby in the bulrushes?
But sometimes “new” means “frightening.” The new Pharaoh of Egypt did not consider the Israelites to be his guests or his friends. In fact, he considered them to be more like vermin. As the number of the descendants of Jacob grew and prospered, the new Pharaoh grew more jealous and angry.
When he gave the command to kill the newborn males of that race, the Hebrew women revolted. After midwives delivered the male babies, they lied to the guards that were poised with sword in hand. Those who were ordered to murder were appeased for a short time, but a baby’s cry is hard to muffle. Mothers were so desperate, they’d do anything to save their sons.
Yes, “new” was a fearsome word for Moses’ mother. She was so afraid she abandoned him in a little bulrush boat. Can you imagine? Even though his sister was hiding nearby, she must have been terrified. What kinds of conversations did she have with God before she nestled that little cocoon in the tall grass beside the Nile? How many times did she ask herself if she was doing the right thing? And yet, the Lord knew little Moses’ destiny was a mighty one.
Last week, many of you sent your little ones off to school in a little yellow bus afloat in a sea of cars. I know some of you must feel the same way Moses’ mother felt, but remember that the Lord holds your little one’s lives, whether they are 6 or 16. Be assured, He’s already seen their future. All you have to do is trust in Him.
Others of us may not have children or you may be empty-nesters, but we all have our precious people or things that we have to let go. Whether it’s loved ones who pass away or that precious thing that we’ve lost, we must remember Who’s in control.
You keep {her] in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because [she] trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 ESV
About Angie Arndt
Angie fell in love when she read her first biblical fiction novel in junior high. She and her hubby live in South Carolina with four furbabies in the middle of a big wood.
Comments 9
As always, Angie, I’m inspired and encouraged by your musings on scripture. I’ve often thought on what Moses’s mother must have felt – the fear, the desire to raise her own son, the desperate longing to see him grow to manhood. As a mother of three grown children and two young grandsons, I know that these desires and longings never fade. And God is faithful – he holds our children in his hands.
Dana,
Thank you so much! It always encourages me to hear that my words encourage you. 🙂
It is way beyond my ken how she was able to do that. I liken it to Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac — one is more baffling (on this side of Heaven) than the other, but both were giving their children up to the will of God.
Love that, Dana: “God is faithful – he holds our children in his hands.” So thankful that He does!
Hugs!
Angie
Angie, that was a great post. I just had to let go of my 20 year old fur baby about 3 weeks ago. I was so sad. I now have a 3 month old fur baby and I’ve forgotten what a kitten is like. That is my new so far. I don’t have children but my cats have been my children. I know God’s got everything worked out ahead of time for me. That helps me get through each day. I appreciate your willingness to do these devotionals. They help inspire me to continue.
Connie, I’m so sorry to hear about your 20 y/o fur baby. Glad you’ve opened your heart and home to a little 3 month-old!! I’m a cat lady, too! I have four and one is a rescue who isn’t doing so well right now, so maybe you would say prayers for Ms Gigi Belle?!?
Agreeing with Becky, Connie! It just breaks my heart to hear about your baby. When you have an animal that long, they’re ingrained in your family and your memories.
Praying that your kitten heals your heart as it tears up your house, LOL! Love the kittehs, but boy, it’s like a bomb went off when they get through!
Yes, He does have everything under control and it encourages me to hear that it encourages you — if that makes any sense.
Connie, yes, I’ll pray for both you and Miss Gigi Belle. (Love that name.) It’s so hard to watch them when they’re sick and you can’t do anything to help. Praying she starts to get better very soon!
Hugs to you both! <3
Hey all, I’m so glad to be one of the new members. I look forward to getting to know my new ‘BFFs’. Up here in NY kids are just gearing up to start school tomorrow. I don’t have any little ones left, but my all 3 of my babies are now in jr high and high school this year. They grow up so fast.
Hey, Kate! I’m glad you found our “inner sanctum.” We’re looking forward to getting to know you, too. 🙂
If you’ve got children in junior high, then it’s like having an adult one minute and then a 3 year old the next, isn’t it? I’ll be praying for all of you tomorrow. Hang in there and take it one day at a time, one “drama” at a time. 😉
And thanks so much for leaving a comment. We really appreciate you!
Angie that was just beautiful! I know for me whenever a “new” is put in front of me, it helps to remind myself that it is a true gift from God. That helps take the focus off me, my fears and my worries but rather on my faith in Jesus. My 13 year old has been back to middle school for a week and a half now. I can easily let my mind run away and worry about all the drama and bad that she may be exposed to. But instead I remind myself that she is safely in God’s hands. We have this thing we say to each other that helps put that on the forefront of our minds… “I love you, but God loves you more!” I do believe that Mose’s mother had to have believed that with all her heart.
Thank you so much. It’s as much a reminder to me. Circumstances beyond our control are not beyond His control. I have to remember that.
What a cool thing to say to each other. And what a great reminder to each of you that the Lord will keep you safe. Yes, I agree. What a strong faith she must have had. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your momma’s heart. Prayers!