READING:
One-year plan: Genesis 48-50, Exodus 1-2
Two-year plan: Ezra 4:6-5:17, Acts 10:44-11:18
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The Hebrews cried out to God under the pressure of the heavy labor the king of Egypt imposed on them. What most grabs my attention in reading this story, though, is God’s response to the prayers that ascended to His throne:
- “God heard their groaning” (Exo 2:24)
- “God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Exo 2:24)
- God “saw the Israelites” (Exo 2:25)
- “God knew” (Exo 2:25)
God heard. God remembered. God saw (that is, he considered their plight). God knew (meaning, He showed concern). The fourfold summary reflects just how aware and concerned God was about what His people faced. He knows, and He cares – and that’s all that matters.
As I think about the situations that lead to my crying out to God—including some I face even today—it’s great to hear again that God hears me, remembers His commitment to His own, sees and considers my burden, and cares about my plight. That’s all I need to know to keep pressing on and trusting.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you need this reminder today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to keep trusting You.”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Exodus 3-7
Two-year plan: Ezra 6-7, Acts 11:19-26
MEMORIZATION VERSE (JAN 16-31):
“A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way.” (Psa 37:23)