In uncertain times, think of Jochebed

Banks are failing, gas is scarce, the economy is uncertain and the government is working on a bailout plan. In my lifetime, I don't ever remember a time when things seemed so uncertain - other than the days and weeks after 9/11. Where will things go? Is my money safe? Is my retirement in jeopardy? What about our parents? They don't have as much time as we do to recover from a stock market crash - what is to come of their retirement? Our BSF group is studying the life of Moses. I don't find it a coincidence the timing of this. Jochebed was Moses' mother. I have learned over recent weeks what a remarkable, faithful woman she was. I am thinking of her today. We all remember the story of her putting Moses in a basket to float down the Nile. Her daughter Miriam looking out for her little brother, and the Pharaoh's daughter rescuing Moses from the Nile. The rest, as we like to say, is history. It's a great story and one that I remember hearing from preschool on. What I didn't realize, until now, is what tremendous courage it took for Jochebed to do what she did. Pharaoh had commanded all Hebrew baby boys to be thrown into the Nile. Jochebed trusted in the Lord and kept Moses with her for 3 months. After that, she carefully planned a time to put Moses in the Nile. She watched the times for when the Pharaoh's daughters would bathe; she formed a basket out of pitch and tar to secure her most precious son; she instructed Miriam to keep watchful eye out for her brother. She planned. She trusted. She planned. She trusted. These words keep resounding in my mind this last week. We, as believers in Christ, must have faith that God has a plan. He has a plan for this economy; He has a plan for my life; He has a plan for your life. But I am reminded of Jochebed. We also must plan. Plan for things to get worse before they get better. Plan to get gas while we can - and be thankful when we can get it. Plan with our finances, our groceries, our retirement. Plan and prepare as much as we can, then leave the outcome to our heavenly Father. He knows the future. In times that are rough, I trust the only One who holds the key; who knows the future. I also trust that He loves me, and you, and as long as we are in communication with Him, he will let us know what we are to do. Just like Jochebed. The beauty of Moses' story is this: the Lord asked Jochebed to trust Him with her greatest, most priceless thing in her life - her newborn son. The Lord asked her to give Moses to Him and trust Him. Not only did the Lord give Moses back to her, he arranged for her to be paid to be his mom! How awesome is that? Can you imagine giving up your child and then getting him or her back - with pay? God is great. He has a plan. We must plan and trust. He is faithful. He always is.