From Exodus 12:
35 Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. 36 And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested.
I am feeling more and more like an Israelite as the July 1 moving day approaches. An Israelite with the benefit of knowing the end of the Red Sea story, of course, but still.
I imagine the people thought Moses was crazy when he told them to go ask the Egyptians for their silver, gold and clothing. Imagine! Your God is bringing plague after plague upon these people because of their stubborn Pharaoh -- and none of the plagues are affecting you. You and your people are slaves, and you're asking them to simply hand over their silver, gold and fine clothing?
Yes. Yes, I am. Because "....God had given the Israelites favor in the sight of the Egyptians." I imagine the Egyptians realized how unjust Pharaoh had treated this group of people. I imagine they saw the suffering and how the Israelites continued holding their heads high despite the mistreatment. I imagine a few of the Egyptians were even secretly rooting for these downtrodden slaves to be liberated.
Just like my friends are rooting for me to be liberated from the bondage of the past 15 years. My wish list doesn't include gold and silver, but I am putting together a list of household needs. (Since I've determined to not take anything associated with bad memories, you can imagine I'm packing up very little.) And of course on moving day I'm going to need a few friends with pickups and even more friends with muscles. And friends who will carry small boxes and chat with the girls and help them deal with the stress of moving out of the only house they've ever known. Friends who will notice my needs and say, "I can help you with that."
My needs aren't just for some furniture and appliances, though. Check out my current prayer list regarding this move:
An apartment / condo that fits my very meager and laughable budget.
Which becomes available on July 1.
In the West Shore school district, just in case I have to pull the girls from their wonderful Christian school.
But praying to NOT pull the girls from their wonderful Christian school!
With at least two bedrooms and preferably three.
That allows us to take our menagerie: 1 BabyCat, 2 rats, 2 gerbils and 2 goldfish.
That moves us far enough away from the old house to give much-needed space, yet close enough to make custody drop-off convenient.
For a custody agreement to be made privately and amicably to avoid the court system as much as possible.
For peace and security to fill the hearts of my daughters throughout.
For financial blessings as I learn to live on a single income.
For a new and smaller car with low mileage and at the right price.
For wisdom as I make decisions I haven't had to think about for years -- phone service? internet? insurance? etc.
For a strong awareness of God's presence to combat my loneliness.
For the plans of the enemy (to steal, kill and destroy) to be completely thwarted throughout our move -- by the power of Jesus' blood that covers Faith, Abby and Sarah.
I know how ridiculous this list sounds, but that's the kind of faith I have in the amazing God we serve.
I imagine it also sounded pretty crazy when Moses told the people, "Ask your Egyptian neighbors for their gold, silver and clothes." And even more insane when he said, "Get ready, we're going to cross the Red Sea shortly!"
Friends, I need your gold and silver. No, not your jewelry or your money -- but something even more valuable to me: your prayers and encouragement and support. The Israelites weren't too proud to ask their Egyptian neighbors and neither am I. Please lift the DelliGirlies before the throne of grace. Pray through that list with me and ask the God who parts seas to open apartments and welcome pets and provide a vehicle and heal the hearts of little (and big) girls.
With Gratefulness for Your Love and Friendship,
Sarah
