What does the good life look like? Financial freedom? Cars, RV’s, boats, travel, influence, power?

We all would like a bit of the good life. When we were young officers we drove by the richest neighbourhood in Toronto and as we passed by the luxury mansions we were asked by the ranking officer who was with us, “do you think those people are happy?”. When we hesitated she said, “you bet they are!”

But being happy and content in the good things of life is not entirely satisfying. Most of us, maybe all of us, would like to know that our lives matter, that our days are not just for the purpose of buying bread and paying bills.

So how do we know the way to go?

The story of Moses and his leading the Children of Israel gives us some idea of what it means to follow God. Not entirely enthusiastic about what God was calling him to do. In following, God provided numerous demonstrations; the pillar of cloud, the pillar of fire, the staff which would turn into a snake, the provision of manna and quail, the parting of the Red Sea and more. And God’s provision would demonstrate His presence. The same is true today, we just tend to expect more I think. But His provision in our lives is still a sign of His presence and His leading.

Moses himself was a sign to his people of God’s provision.

If you have someone in your life who leads, gives wisdom, provides support and love – well maybe they too are part of God’s provision for you.

Acts 10:36-38 says… “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

When Jesus came as a man into this world, He was the ultimate sign of God’s provision, and if we are to follow HIm, to walk the narrow path that He calls us to walk, well wouldn’t it make sense to simply emulate Him? And how did Jesus live? “He went about doing good…”

I can do that. I think you can too.