Snow Day . . . NOT!

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt . . .” (Exodus 3:7)

As I write this I’m thinking about the thousands of kids that woke up yesterday to discover that their prayers were not answered. They went to bed praying for a snow day. It didn’t happen. We came close. The counties just north were sufficiently iced to shut things down – but not here. Most of the schools in metro-Atlanta are in session, buses will run, classes will convene, parents will go to work, all business as usual with the added misery of a cold wet commute.

This prompts young minds to pose some thorny theological questions: “Why are those places closed and we’re not?” As if Hall and Cherokee counties are the elect, the beloved upon whom God chooses to bestow the frozen blessing. We never stop asking questions like that. Maturity kicks in at some point and we don’t grieve the loss of a snow day (although I would have welcomed it today) – but other disappointments come our way. We pray other prayers that bear no fruit. “Why did he get the promotion . . . why is she pregnant . . . how did I get cancer . . . why is my child struggling . . . when will it be my turn . . . why doesn’t God do something?” The details change, the questions stick with us.

Moses had a tough sell, going back to Egypt and telling the Israelites that their God had heard their cries and seen their misery. Yeah, right. That’s a nice message, only they’ve been in Egyptian slavery for about 400 years. Most of them probably quit praying a long time ago. Surrounded by the various gods of Egypt as well as a powerful Pharaoh, they likely weren’t sure who they should pray to, what his name was. Moses rightly anticipated the question: “Who sent you?” The Israelites were no longer on speaking terms with their God. Their cries and groans were just that – cries and groans, nothing more.

In the film, Cinderella Man, Russell Crowe plays the role of washed-up prize fighter Jim Braddock. His fighting career ruined by injuries, his ability to find work crippled by the great depression, he can barely feed his family. Sitting down in their dark cold apartment to a meager meal, his wife asks him to say the blessing. He tries but chokes on the words. After a moment he explains, “I’m all prayed out.”

Prayer itself can be challenging. Endurance in prayer, month after long month, year after dragging year, is a monumental challenge. Even in those seasons when we pray regularly, we get a little antsy if we don’t sense some response after a few days, maybe a few weeks. It doesn’t take too long before we’re all prayed out.

God had a message for his people. “I’ve seen their misery. I’ve heard their cries and groans. I know what’s going on. I’m going to act. Get ready.” After 400 years of slavery it took ten plagues for the people to grasp that message. Maybe God wants you to know that he sees your circumstances, hears your prayers, knows exactly what’s happening in your life. What might it take for that truth to sink in and shape the way you live this day?

Prayer:
Gracious God, we easily grow weary in our praying; weariness leads to doubts; the doubts distance us from you – and soon we stop praying altogether. Remind us today that you see, you hear, and you are mighty to save. Sustain our faith as we wait on you and your perfect timing. Amen.