Monday Memo 1212: Living in Goshen

The Egyptian plagues began with the Nile turning to blood. Then there was a swarm of frogs throughout the land, but the 
Egyptian magicians were able to replicate what Moses had initiated in both instances. The plague of gnats  was the first plague the magicians could not match, which caused them to tell Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19). Then there was the fourth plague which also brought a major shift in how the plagues were experienced:

“‘But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow'" (Exodus 8:22-23).

The first three plagues had affected God's people living in Goshen, but starting with the flies, God set them apart from the Egyptians to prove that His favor was upon them. You can always count on the truth that you live in a different world than those who don't know the Lord. He can preserve and protect you while there is famine and lack all around you. That means you can fulfill your purpose and express your creativity no matter the external conditions in which you must function.

That is not all that was different about the fourth plague:

Moses answered, “As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the Lord, and tomorrow the flies will leave Pharaoh and his officials and his people. Only let Pharaoh be sure that he does not act deceitfully again by not letting the people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord." Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord, and the Lord did what Moses asked. The flies left Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not a fly remained (Exodus 8:29-31).

The Lord left it up to Moses as to when this plague would end. Moses prayed and God answered his prayer and stopped the plague. Because Moses was flowing in his purpose, God was listening, as Jesus had promised would happen in our lives as well:

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:12-14).

Jesus did not make this promise so you could get whatever you want at any time. He made it so you can do greater works than He did, which you will do when you are in your purpose and expressing your creativity. And that promise would include not only God's protection but also His provision so you can fulfill His will for your life.

This series has been about purpose and finances and this week's lesson is clear: even if you serve in Egypt, God will preserve and care for you. The rules and conditions of Egypt won't necessarily affect or impact you, and that includes money. God can provide during a famine or the plagues, but do you have the confidence and faith for Him to do so? Will you take Jesus' words in John 14 seriously? Will you ask as James instructed: "You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:2-3)? Asking God for what you need to live on is not seeking "your pleasures."

Just like He did with Moses, God is waiting to hear from you as a partner in the work He has for you. Don't trivialize or waste this precious connection to the Creator of the universe who has promised to provide whatever you need in order to do His will. That means you should speak bold purpose prayers if you expect to see God repeatedly act on your behalf. Have a blessed week.